The Ministry of Health has declared June 30 to July 5 as a Special Dengue Prevention Week, in response to a sharp rise in dengue cases and fatalities across the country.

So far in 2025, 27,932 dengue cases have been reported, with 16 confirmed deaths. 

The Western Province has recorded the highest number of cases, followed by the Eastern, Sabaragamuwa, and Southern Provinces, according to the National Dengue Control Unit.

The month of May saw the highest spike, with 6,034 cases, while 4,372 cases have already been reported in the first 25 days of June.

To combat the outbreak, the Ministry has launched a two-phase mosquito eradication campaign:

Phase 1 (June 30 – July 2): Targeting Colombo, Ratnapura, Badulla, Matale, Kalmunai, and Kalutara.

Phase 2 (July 2 – July 5): Covering Kandy, Gampaha, Kurunegala, Kegalle, Colombo Municipal Council, Jaffna, Batticaloa, and Matara.

Dr. Prashila Samaraweera at the National Dengue Control Unit, stated that 1,600 teams will be deployed daily, each consisting of health officials, police personnel, and volunteers.

Dr. Sudath Samaraweera, Director of the Dengue Control Unit, emphasized the importance of community participation in eliminating mosquito breeding grounds to prevent the disease from reaching epidemic levels.

Additionally, a nationwide school-based dengue awareness program will be held on July 9, organized by the Ministries of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Training in collaboration with the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat. 

The initiative aims to foster environmental and behavioral change among students.