December 13, Colombo (LNW): Dr Kapila Kannangara, Director of the National Dengue Control Unit, has urged both citizens and authorities to adopt a more proactive mindset in tackling dengue, emphasising that environmental cleanliness is a shared responsibility.
“The environment itself acts as a breeding ground for mosquitoes, so maintaining it properly is critical. Cleanliness is not just a duty of the authorities—it is the community’s responsibility too,” he explained, addressing the unveiling of the world’s first Simplified Early Action Protocol (SEAP) for dengue prevention.
Dr Kannangara also noted shortcomings in local government efforts, citing factors such as competing priorities, lack of awareness, and a tendency to underestimate the risk. “Prevention must continue alongside other recovery or relief efforts. Dengue does not wait for people to catch up,” he warned.
The SEAP initiative represents a significant move from reactive responses to anticipatory public health action. Scheduled to operate over the next two years, until June 2027, the project will initially focus on high-risk districts including Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Jaffna, and Kandy.
With monsoon rains and recent events such as Cyclone Ditwah creating ideal conditions for mosquito proliferation, dengue remains a major public health concern in Sri Lanka, placing considerable strain on hospitals and medical services. By enabling early interventions, SEAP aims to reduce community vulnerability, prevent outbreaks, and save lives before case numbers escalate.
Dr Kannangara issued a stark reminder of the risks posed by delayed action: “When people are exhausted or distracted, their immunity drops. A standard dengue infection can escalate to a severe form, which can be fatal. Continuous prevention efforts are essential to avoid turning dengue into another disaster.”
This launch signals a major step forward in Sri Lanka’s fight against dengue, combining innovative strategy with community engagement to protect public health.
