Sri Lanka’s dengue death toll has risen to 17 for 2026, with total reported cases reaching 32,071, the National Dengue Control Unit (NDCU) said.
Dr. Prashila Samaraweera, a Community Physician at the NDCU, said two young children — aged nine and two and a half years — are among the dead. The figures mark a sharp increase from the 15 deaths and 29,589 cases recorded by May 19, as the southwest monsoon and prevailing wet weather create breeding conditions for mosquitoes.
To curb the spread, the NDCU will roll out a three-day special mosquito control programme on June 8, 9 and 10, targeting high-risk areas. The drive will cover the Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Galle, Kandy, Ratnapura, Kegalle and Batticaloa districts, along with the Kalmunai Medical Officer of Health division.
Authorities have repeatedly urged residents to destroy potential breeding sites around homes and workplaces. The high-risk zones identified earlier this month remain the focus of inspection and enforcement, with legal action possible against premises found harbouring mosquito larvae.
