Sagala Ratnayaka, Senior Advisor to the President on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff, has called for urgent measures to address the escalating situation. This directive came during a crucial meeting at the Presidential Secretariat on the 5th of this month, presided over by State Minister of Health Dr. Sita Arambepola and Chief of Presidential Staff Sagala Ratnayaka.
The discussions primarily focused on the rising number of dengue cases in the Colombo, Gampaha, Kandy, and Jaffna districts. Alarming reports revealed the presence of dengue vectors breeding in public spaces, including government institutions, boat yards, and schools.
Sagala Ratnayaka issued a series of directives to the National Dengue Control Unit to address these concerns. Notably, he instructed the Sri Lanka Police, with the support of the armed forces, to take immediate action to control the situation. The Presidential Secretariat is gearing up to dispatch letters to various government agencies, outlining urgent measures to curb the spread of the disease.
Furthermore, in a bid to enhance public awareness, Ratnayaka proposed a collaborative effort between the Sri Lanka Police and the offices of the Medical Officers of Health to implement a comprehensive nationwide awareness program.
To assess the progress of these initiatives, a follow-up meeting with the dengue control unit is scheduled for next Monday. The government remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of the public in the face of this dengue outbreak.
