Local BTI to the fore

Nadira GUNATILLEKE

Locally made BTI bacteria will be used countrywide from today to control dengue mosquito breeding. It will be done through the Health Department. Commencement of using the bacteria is a victory of the people.

It will protect people's lives, Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena said.

After spraying the bacteria for the first time at State Engineering Corporation work site yesterday Minister Sirisena said that the Presidential Task Force was set up to implement the National Dengue Control countrywide.

Almost all sectors, organisations and the public took part in the program which brought successful results.

There were many accusations in connection with using BTI bacteria in Sri Lanka.

Minister Sirisena thanked all who took part in producing the bacteria, State Engineering Corporation and the media for the support extended by them towards the dengue control program.

The Medical Research Institute (MRI) will monitor the site continuously and observe the reaction and impact of locally made BTI bacteria on dengue mosquito breeding. The MRI carried out all required testing.

Health Deputy Minister Mahinda Amaraweera, Mervyn Silva MP, Western Provincial Council Minister Jagath Angage, several Ministry officials and many others were present.