Sri Lanka launches nationwide mosquito control campaign to curb dengue

Sri Lanka’s health authorities began a special island‑wide mosquito control campaign on 27 July, scheduled to run through 31 July, in parallel with National Integrity Week. The effort, led by the National Dengue Control Unit and the Ministry of Health in cooperation with the Clean Sri Lanka programme, targets mosquito breeding sites at public institutions and in communities, with officials inspecting premises and encouraging public participation.

The campaign comes as the country records a sharp rise in dengue, with 81,511 cases and 61 deaths reported this year; Gampaha District accounts for 21.7 % of infections. A coordinated fogging programme will operate daily from 4:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. across numerous neighbourhoods, following a detailed schedule that covers areas such as St. John, Glenburnie, Cherry Grove, Haynes Hill and Stewart Hill before concluding on 31 July. Residents are advised to open windows and keep children away from fogged zones.

Health officials stress that sustained public involvement is essential to reduce mosquito populations and limit further dengue transmission.