Pilot project to use Cuban BTI

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

The Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry has already appointed a Technical Committee in connection with using BTI bacteria in Sri Lanka.

A special discussion was held in this regard with Cuban Ambassador Nirsia Castro Guevara a few days ago. It is expected to use around 30,000 litres of BTI bacteria imported from Cuba for the pilot project to be launched in Kandy.

The Ministry has already informed the Cuban Government to increase their BTI bacteria production to meet the demand from Sri Lanka. BTI bacteria is to be used in Sri Lanka as a supportive method to eradicate dengue, he said.

News items published in certain web sites and newspapers stating that Healthcare and Nutrition Ministry had suspended using BTI bacteria in Sri Lanka is completely baseless and inaccurate, Acting Ministry Secretary Dr. Nihal Jayatilleke said.