The Ministry of Education, Higher Education, and Vocational Education has issued an urgent directive to all provincial, zonal, and school authorities to implement a special Dengue prevention program across all educational institutions in Sri Lanka.
The decision comes following an announcement by the National Dengue Control Unit warning of high-risk conditions in 13 districts due to the active Southwest monsoon. In response, the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils, and Local Government has declared a National Dengue Control Week from June 15 to June 19, 2026.
Special Prevention Day on June 18
As part of this national effort, a comprehensive Dengue prevention campaign will be executed on Thursday, June 18, 2026, covering all government schools, preschools, private schools, and other educational institutes nationwide.
The main objectives of this program are to protect students and staff from the epidemic and to leverage the student community to spread awareness among the wider public. The Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education, local government bodies, and provincial councils will work collaboratively to identify and destroy mosquito breeding grounds.
Key Activities Scheduled for June 18:
- Awareness Campaigns: Conducting sessions for students on Dengue prevention, identifying breeding sites, and simple actions they can take at home.
- Cleaning Drives: Eliminating stagnant water sources in school premises and implementing systematic waste disposal.
- Expert Guidance: Conducting awareness programs involving Medical Officers of Health (MOH), Public Health Inspectors (PHIs), or Community Development Officers for teachers and students.
- Practical Initiatives: Organizing practical events under the theme “Dengue-Free Zone” and introducing continuous monitoring systems.
Strict Guidelines for Maintaining “Dengue-Free Zones”
The circular, signed by P. R. Kariyawasam, Additional Secretary (Co-curricular and Primary Education Development), outlines several mandatory practices for school principals and administrators to ensure sustained safety:
| Requirement | Action Plan |
| Inspection | Appoint responsible officers to inspect school premises regularly. |
| Breeding Control | Conduct weekly checks specifically targeting mosquito breeding spots. |
| Waste Management | Establish a systematic waste segregation and disposal mechanism with local local authorities. |
| Student Protection | Advise students to use mosquito repellents during day hours to prevent bites. |
| Health Collaboration | Coordinate regularly with the regional MOH office to certify premises as mosquito-free. |
| Committees | Reactivate and continuously maintain school-level Dengue Control Committees. |
The Ministry has urged all educational heads and community members to consider this a matter of national importance and extend their maximum cooperation to ensure a safe learning environment for the nation’s children
