June 22, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s worsening dengue situation could have been mitigated had preventative measures been implemented more swiftly, according to health entomology experts, who say repeated warnings issued earlier this year were not acted upon adequately in several parts of the country.
The Health Entomology Officers’ Association has pointed to administrative delays and inconsistent responses by local authorities as major factors behind the sharp rise in infections recorded in recent months.
Association President Najith Sumanasena said indicators of mosquito breeding activity had been showing a steady upward trend since the beginning of the year. By April, the Breteau Index — a key measure used to assess the prevalence of dengue-carrying mosquito larvae — had exceeded critical levels in numerous areas, signalling a heightened risk of transmission.
He explained that the growing threat had been communicated to relevant authorities through the National Dengue Control Unit, enabling provincial administrations to take precautionary action. However, while some regions moved quickly to strengthen control measures, others were slow to respond, allowing mosquito populations to expand and increasing the likelihood of widespread transmission.
According to Sumanasena, the delays in implementing vector-control programmes, public awareness campaigns and environmental clean-up efforts played a significant role in the spike in cases seen by mid-year.
He also highlighted a biological factor behind the outbreak, noting that a dengue virus strain similar to the one responsible for the major 2017 epidemic has resurfaced in 2026. Because a large segment of the population has limited immunity to this strain, health experts believe it has created conditions for more rapid spread.
Meanwhile, Community Physician Specialist Dr Prashila Samaraweera of the National Dengue Control Unit reported that 45,037 dengue infections and 28 related deaths had been recorded across the country so far this year.
The highest concentration of cases continues to be reported from Colombo, Gampaha, Matara, Kalutara, Ratnapura, Galle and Nuwara Eliya districts, which remain under close surveillance by health authorities.
Dr Samaraweera stressed that controlling dengue cannot be achieved through government intervention alone and called for greater public participation in prevention efforts. She emphasised that the removal of stagnant water and other mosquito breeding sites remains the most effective defence against the disease.
Health officials are urging households, businesses and community organisations to carry out regular inspections of their premises and take immediate action to eliminate potential breeding grounds, warning that sustained public cooperation will be essential in curbing the outbreak during the months ahead.