Govt explores tailored measures to combat dengue menace
Colombo (LNW): The National Dengue Control Unit has received instructions to promptly implement measures to address the surge in dengue cases with the onset of the rainy season.
The directives were issued by President’s Chief of Staff Sagala Ratnayake considering the escalating situation in the country.
A meeting was conducted at the Presidential Secretariat on Tuesday (05), led by State Minister of Health Dr. Sita Arambepola and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka.
Concerns were raised about the increasing number of dengue cases in Colombo, Gampaha, Kandy, and Jaffna districts. The breeding of the dengue vector was noted in public spaces such as government institutions, boat yards, and schools.
In response, Ratnayaka instructed the Sri Lanka Police, with the support of the armed forces, to take immediate action to control the situation. The Presidential Secretariat is set to dispatch a letter to government agencies outlining urgent measures to curb the spread of the disease.
Furthermore, Ratnayaka recommended a collaborative effort between the Sri Lanka Police and the offices of the Medical Officers of Health to implement a comprehensive nationwide awareness programme.
A follow-up meeting with the dengue control unit is scheduled for next Monday to assess the progress of these initiatives. Defence Ministry Secretary General Kamal Gunaratne (Retired), Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, Acting Inspector General of Police Deshbandu Tennakoon, and senior officers from the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, and Colombo Municipal Council participated in the meeting.
