Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that a long-term programme should be formulated to minimise the spread of the dengue epidemic and emphasised that, just as the country has successfully overcome previous challenges, the dengue challenge must also be addressed and overcome through collective efforts.

The Prime Minister made these remarks today (16) while addressing a special dengue prevention programme organised in Kottawa in conjunction with Dengue Prevention Week, according to the Prime Minister’s Media Division.

The programme aimed to control the spread of dengue and raise public awareness of health and safety measures.

Speaking at the event, the Prime Minister further stated:

“At present, the risk of dengue is increasing across the country. The Colombo District remains at high risk, and health authorities have identified Maharagama as one of the particularly vulnerable areas.

The risk has been identified especially in schools, government and private sector offices, and other public spaces. As a government, we have declared a Dengue Prevention Week and are undertaking special interventions during this period with the objective of addressing the dengue risk faced by the public.

However, this effort should not be limited to a single week. A long-term programme should be formulated to address this issue. At this critical juncture, all stakeholders must come together and act with determination.

Over the past one and a half years, we have successfully overcome numerous challenges. Similarly, we must collectively come forward to overcome this challenge as well. Dengue prevention should be regarded as a personal responsibility by every citizen. We must work towards transforming the Colombo District from a high-risk area into a lower-risk zone and progressively move towards eliminating the threat altogether.”

Following the programme, Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya also inspected the local bus stand and surrounding areas.

Addressing the occasion, Chairman of the Maharagama Municipal Council Saman Samarakoon expressed his appreciation to the institutions that contributed significantly to the dengue prevention initiative, including the Maharagama Municipal Council, Kottawa Police, security forces personnel, the Maharagama Divisional Secretariat, the Public Health Inspector’s Office, the National Housing Development Authority, the Land Registry Office, the National Transport Commission, Kottawa Dharmapala Vidyalaya, Kottawa Ananda Vidyalaya, and the Kottawa Traders’ Association.

The event was attended by Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Sunil Kumara Gamlath, Deputy Minister of Public Security and Parliamentary Affairs Sunil Watagala, Colombo District Member of Parliament Dewananda Suraweera, Chairman of the Maharagama Municipal Council Saman Samarakoon, and several other invitees.