The Ministry of Public Administration and Home Affairs has announced the establishment of active special committees at district and divisional levels to monitor dengue control activities.
Minister Chandana Abayaratne said that these bodies will not remain nominal but will plan and implement programs to eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
The committees will oversee inspections of residential areas and official premises, ensuring strict measures are taken to destroy breeding grounds. They are expected to coordinate closely with local authorities to sustain prevention efforts across districts.
Highlighting the urgency of the situation, the Minister urged the public and institutions to dedicate 30 to 45 minutes each week to cleaning their living environments.
“Our most important requirement at this moment is to prevent the disease, rather than hospitalizing and treating patients,” he said, stressing that prevention is vital as hospitals are already strained by rising patient numbers.
During a discussion at the Puttalam District Secretariat yesterday (17), officials reviewed the health situation, noting nearly 25 dengue‑related deaths and a surge in cases nationwide. The Minister underscored that immediate action is essential to curb the epidemic.
He further stated that similar committees will be appointed across other districts, with the goal of minimizing the outbreak through coordinated community and institutional efforts. (Newswire)