51,049 Dengue Cases Reported in 2026 , New Circular Prepared To Strengthen Dengue Control Measures Across Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The National Dengue Control Unit says a new circular has been prepared to facilitate cleaning of environment and the removal of potential mosquito breeding sites.

Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, Dr. Kapila Kannangara, said dengue prevention activities will be carried out at the village level through Community Empowerment Committees, with the participation of Grama Niladhari officers, Medical Officers of Health, Public Health Inspectors, and other committee members.

He noted that the circular is expected to be issued within the next few days by either the Presidential Secretary or the Secretary to the Ministry of Health.

According to Dr. Kannangara, the circular will provide daily Dengue control programmes during the current high-risk dengue period. 

Activities are to be scaled back to a weekly basis once the risk level declines.

Speaking to News 1st regarding the prevailing dengue situation, Dr. Kannangara said that 51,049 dengue cases have been reported in Sri Lanka so far this year.

NDCU says 31 deaths have been recorded due to dengue.

The highest number of dengue cases has been reported from the Western, Southern, Sabaragamuwa, Central, and Eastern Provinces.

A total of 124 MOH divisions have been identified as high-risk areas for dengue transmission.