Anti-mosquito ‘war’ in schools islandwide

A giant mosquito eradication programme will be launched in the school system with the participation of students, parents and teachers in 9,000 schools countrywide on June 29, Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena said. A circular to this effect has been sent to all schools by the Education Ministry. Under this circular, it would be mandatory for all Principals, teachers, students and their parents to take part in this mosquito control programme, the minister said.

Minister Sirisena disclosed this participating in the inaugural programme of the National Dengue Eradication Month declared by the ministry at Melpura Playground, Chilaw yesterday.

He said 10,000 members of Security Forces will join the programme to eradicate mosquito breeding places launched during the Mosquito Control Month from June 25 to July 25. The minister said the Defence Ministry has promised its full contribution towards the programme following a discussion with Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

“After the mosquito eradication programme launched on June 29 it would be mandatory for all schools to conduct such programmes weekly on Friday from 7.30am to 8.30am,” he said.

Minister Sirisena said all state and private sector institutions and people have pledged their support towards the mosquito eradication programme.

A Presidential Task Force on Dengue Control has been set up to overcome the threat posed by the killer disease dengue with the support of several key ministries.

During the programme in Chilaw, the minister and his team inspected several houses and their compounds and distributed leaflets about dengue control and mosquito eradication measures among their occupants after pasting awareness stickers on the house. External Affairs Deputy minister Neomal Perera, Wayamba Chief Minister Athula Wijesinghe and Provincial Health Minister Asoka Wadigamangawa also participated.