Sri Lanka Police and Health Authorities Intensify Island wide Dengue Prevention and Legal Enforcement Measures

To educate the public on the special Dengue Prevention initiatives and Legal Enforcement measures jointly implemented by the Sri Lanka Police and the Health Authorities to curb the spread of dengue across the country Island-wide.

As Sri Lanka faces an increased risk of a rapid spread of dengue fever, the Ministry of Health, Public Health Inspectors, and the Sri Lanka Police have launched a series of special island wide dengue prevention and control programs to mitigate the situation.

The Inspector General of Police has instructed the Officers-in-Charge (OICs) of all police stations to actively engage the public through the Public Security Committees established across the 48 police divisions. These committees are tasked with conducting community awareness campaigns, cleanliness drives, and law enforcement activities aimed at preventing the spread of dengue. Police officers have been directed to carry out these responsibilities with the utmost commitment and dedication.

The public is hereby informed that strict legal action will be taken against individuals who maintain premises in an unsanitary condition that facilitates mosquito breeding or creates potential mosquito breeding sites. Such offenders will be prosecuted under Section 262 of the Penal Code.

In addition, under the Mosquito Prevention Act, No. 11 of 2007, health authorities are legally empowered to issue Red Notices to owners or occupants of premises where mosquito breeding sites or conditions conducive to mosquito breeding are identified. Any person who fails to comply with the directions specified in a Red Notice within the stipulated period is liable, upon conviction, to a maximum fine of Rs. 25,000 under Section 6 of the Act.

It is also regrettable to note that 4,672 cases have already been instituted before the Courts between January and June 2026 against individuals who failed to maintain their premises and surrounding environments in a manner that prevents mosquito breeding.

The loss of even a single life leaves an irreplaceable void not only within a family but also throughout society. To ensure that no family has to endure such a tragedy, parents, guardians, and every member of the community need to remain vigilant and give greater priority to the safety and well-being of all children and the wider public.

The Sri Lanka Police therefore earnestly urge the public to cooperate with the relevant authorities by maintaining clean surroundings, eliminating mosquito breeding sites, and strictly adhering to all dengue prevention measures. Collective responsibility and public participation are essential to successfully combat dengue and safeguard the health of the nation.