July 13, Colombo (LNW): The Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court has imposed a record Rs. 2.1 million in fines in a single day against property owners found to have allowed dengue mosquito breeding sites on their premises, amid intensified efforts to curb the spread of the disease.
According to reports, legal action was taken against 84 premises within the Maharagama Medical Officer of Health (MOH) area after inspections uncovered mosquito larvae during a special dengue prevention campaign. The affected properties comprised 65 residences, 18 commercial establishments and one religious institution located in the Public Health Inspector (PHI) divisions of Godigamuwa, Pannipitiya, Nawinna and Wattagedara.
The inspections, conducted between July 03 and 09, covered nearly 4,200 locations as health authorities stepped up surveillance in response to the ongoing rise in dengue infections. Officials identified active mosquito breeding sites at 84 premises, with each offender ordered to pay a fine of Rs. 25,000, resulting in the record total of Rs. 2.1 million.
Health officials said the ruling represents the highest amount collected through dengue-related prosecutions by the Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court in a single day, reflecting the tougher legal approach being adopted against those who fail to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
Meanwhile, final warning notices were issued to a further 175 property owners whose premises were found to pose a potential dengue risk. Authorities said they have been given three days to rectify the identified shortcomings, failing which legal proceedings will be instituted.
Public health officials have urged residents and business owners to inspect their premises regularly, remove stagnant water and cooperate with inspection teams, warning that enforcement measures will continue as part of the wider campaign to contain the growing dengue outbreak.