Sri Lanka launches Island-wide mosquito control campaign

Sri Lanka has launched a nationwide mosquito control campaign covering 14 districts and 72 Medical Officer of Health  divisions as health authorities respond to a surge in dengue infections across the island. The three-day programme, running from June 8 to June 10, includes inspections of homes, schools, government and private institutions, places of worship, factories, construction sites and other high-risk locations. Authorities have warned that legal action will be taken against those found maintaining mosquito breeding grounds. 
Health officials stressed that community participation remains vital in controlling the disease, noting that a large proportion of breeding sites continue to be found within private premises. Residents have been urged to inspect their surroundings regularly and remove any containers capable of collecting rainwater. 
The campaign comes as Sri Lanka records nearly 37,000 dengue cases so far in 2026, about 10,000 more than during the same period last year. According to the National Dengue Control Unit, almost half of all infections have been reported from the Western Province, with Colombo, Gampaha and Kalutara districts accounting for the highest number of cases.