In response to the increasing risk of a rapid spread of dengue fever, the Sri Lanka Police, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Public Health Inspectors, have launched a series of special island-wide prevention and control programs. These joint initiatives aim to educate the public while strictly enforcing legal measures to mitigate the outbreak across the country.
To spearhead this effort at the community level, the Inspector General of Police has instructed the Officers-in-Charge (OICs) of all police stations to mobilize Public Security Committees across the 48 police divisions. Police officers have been directed to act with the utmost commitment, utilizing these committees to conduct community awareness campaigns, organize cleanliness drives, and execute law enforcement activities aimed at halting the spread of the disease.
Authorities have issued a stern warning that strict legal action will be taken against individuals who maintain unsanitary premises that facilitate or create potential mosquito breeding sites. Such offenders will face prosecution under Section 262 of the Penal Code.
Furthermore, under the Mosquito Prevention Act, No. 11 of 2007, health officials are legally empowered to issue Red Notices to owners or occupants of non-compliant properties where breeding conditions are identified. Any person who fails to adhere to 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. Highlighting the strict enforcement of these laws, authorities noted that 4,672 cases have already been filed in courts between January and June 2026 against individuals who failed to keep their premises free of mosquito breeding grounds.
Emphasizing that the loss of even a single life leaves an irreplaceable void in a family and society, the Sri Lanka Police earnestly urge all parents, guardians, and community members to prioritize the safety of children and the wider public. The public is strongly encouraged to cooperate with relevant authorities by maintaining clean surroundings and eliminating breeding sites, as collective responsibility and active participation are essential to safeguarding the nation's health from this threat.
