Act to take action against mosquito 'breeders'

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva will present Mosquito Breading Control Act in the Parliament on May 6.

Under this act, legal action can be taken against homes and institutions which do not destroy mosquito breeding sites, a Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry spokesman said.

He said the Ministry has drafted rules and regulations to be included in this new Act. Under this Act, legal action can be taken against Homes, Local Government bodies, Urban Councils and Pradeshiya Sabhas which do not destroy mosquito breeding places within its limits. Fines can be issued on such institutions and homes.

This Act will also help control the rising dengue epidemic. Every year over 28 persons die from dengue fever and related complications while over 3,000 persons are infected with the disease. The main reason behind this is the lack of public interest.