Destroying mosquito breeding places:

Defence Ministry co-operation sought

The Health Ministry has sought the co-operation of the Defence Ministry in eradicating dengue by taking action to destroy mosquito breeding places.

The Defence Ministry accordingly has agreed to give the co-operation of defence forces for the national campaign, the Health Ministry said in a press release yesterday.

On a request made by Healthcare and Nutrition Minister Maithripala Sirisena, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa held a meeting with the heads of the Security Forces and Police at the Defence Ministry with the participation of Healthcare Ministry Secretary Dr Ravindra Ruberu and Additional Secretaries Dr Palitha Maheepala and Sarath Chandrasiri Vithana. It was decided to seek the support of the Police and defence forces to enforce the law to destroy mosquito breeding places. National and Civil Defence Committees will also be brought in to implement the decision.

August 2 and 9, 21 and 28 have been declared national days for prevention of mosquito breeding. All public sector institutions including police stations, defence forces barracks or detachments will also be monitored for the purpose.

Homes, offices and factories will also be monitored and the Security Forces and Police will access premises that are not easily accessible to the public, the release said.