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In parallel with the national programme currently being implemented to combat the rapidly spreading dengue outbreak, a special dengue prevention drive has been planned for 24, 25 and 26 June under the coordination of the Clean Sri Lanka Secretariat. A special media briefing on the initiative was held this morning (23) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of the Secretary to the President, Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake.
Addressing the gathering, the Secretary to the President emphasised that public awareness and participation are essential to the success of the programme and noted that media institutions have a significant role to play in this regard.
Dr Kumanayake pointed out that dengue transmission has increased compared to the corresponding period last year, particularly in light of the prevailing rainy conditions. He stated that the Government's objective is to identify sustainable solutions to control the outbreak and that it intends to formulate a long-term action plan to address the issue.
He further noted that the public bears a considerable responsibility in controlling the spread of dengue and stressed that the situation can be managed through good practices such as maintaining clean surroundings.
The Secretary to the President also highlighted that government premises, factories and construction sites remain vulnerable to dengue transmission.
Dr Kumanayake further stated that the most effective solution available at present is to raise public awareness and encourage people to keep their environment clean. He noted that the support of all media institutions is expected in implementing a comprehensive public awareness campaign on the issue.
Accordingly, he requested all media organisations to contribute over the coming days by continuing to educate the public and encouraging them to maintain clean surroundings.
During the briefing, Secretary to the Ministry of Health and Mass Media, Dr Anil Jasinghe, provided an overview of the current dengue situation, the risks that have emerged, and the measures being implemented by the Government to control the spread of the disease.
Representatives of media institutions expressed their commitment to providing maximum support to ensure the success of the programme, treating it as a national mission. They also presented suggestions and views relating to dengue prevention efforts.
Chief of Presidential Staff Prabath Chandrakeerthi; Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Prince Senadheera; Senior Additional Secretary to the President (Clean Sri Lanka), S.P.C. Sugeeshwara; senior officials of the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government; as well as heads and representatives of electronic and print media institutions, were also present at the event.
