Sri Lanka is grappling with a severe dengue epidemic, prompting a series of intensified nationwide control and eradication efforts across the island. The situation has been described as a serious risk, with health authorities issuing red alerts as hospitals face strain and a new variant of the dengue virus reportedly spreads.
Initial efforts kicked off with a Nationwide Dengue Prevention Week, which ultimately ran from June 15th to June 20th, 2026. This initiative, spearheaded by the National Dengue Control Unit and a broad coalition of government ministries including Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Health and Mass Media, and Education, focused on identifying and eliminating mosquito breeding sites. Activities during this week were structured as follows:
* June 15th-17th: Intensive cleaning of public places, including towns, canal systems, shopping complexes, religious sites, and bus stands.
* June 18th: A special dengue control program targeting educational institutions, including schools, preschools, and private tuition classes, with the Ministry of Education issuing a special circular to provincial authorities.
* June 19th: Cleaning operations in government and private institutions.
* June 20th: Efforts extended to private homes and their surrounding areas.
In parallel, Colombo district, identified as a high-risk zone, observed its own special prevention week from June 15th to 21st. This was discussed at a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya.
The scale of the crisis is significant. As of late June, the total number of dengue patients has exceeded 48,287, with 750 new cases reported on June 23rd alone. The Western Province accounts for a staggering 52.12% of all patients. So far, 24 dengue deaths have been reported, and weekly dengue cases have consistently exceeded 1,000. The situation is further complicated by the ongoing southwest monsoon season, which provides ideal breeding conditions, and a reported rise in Chikungunya disease.
Following the initial prevention week, further targeted operations were launched:
* A special dengue control operation was conducted from June 24th to 26th, organized by the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat. This operation spanned 6 high-risk provinces and 600 Grama Niladhari divisions, with Presidential Secretary Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumaranayake emphasizing the critical need for public participation.
* On June 24th, 2026, a Dengue Operations Center was launched, accessible via 011 796 6366. This center provides information on dengue spread, allows reporting of breeding sites, offers guidance to officials and volunteers, and serves as a central hub for all dengue-related inquiries, operating Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
* A public awareness program by Sirasa FM commenced on June 19th, 2026, running for ten days and aiming to cover 1,000 houses across 10 cities.
* A National Dengue Control Program by News1st and the Capital Maharaja media network, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, was active on July 7th, 2026, focusing on public awareness in the Colombo, Gampaha, and Kalutara districts. Public Health Inspectors, Grama Niladhari officers, and other government officials are actively involved in these efforts.
Health authorities are urging the public to seek immediate medical attention if a fever persists for more than two days, underscoring the severity and urgency of the ongoing public health challenge.