Sri Lanka School Principals Responsible to Reduce Mosquito Breeding Sites

To help control Chikungunya and Dengue infections reported among school-age children, the Ministry of Education in the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka recently launched an innovative mosquito reduction program.

On June 12, 2025, Minister of Education Dr. Susil Premajayantha announced that a special mosquito alleviation program would be implemented before the new school term begins

According to the instructions, school principals could face legal action if mosquito breeding sites are found on school premises during inspections.

Each school must develop and implement its programme to eliminate mosquito breeding sites while continuing educational activities without disruption.

The ministry has sent notices to principals of all public and government-approved private schools, heads of religious schools, deans of national colleges of education, and heads of other educational institutions and provincial offices to inform them about the new measures.

The minister shared these insights during a sensitization program held at the Narahenpita District Secretariat, which was attended by all the principals of schools in the Colombo zone, police station officers, and representatives from the Colombo Municipal Council.

Like countries in the western Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is also experiencing Chikungunya outbreaks in 2025.

Since late 2005, Chikungunya has caused major outbreaks in Southeast Asian countries.

In 2004, the Chikungunya virus East/Central/South Africa genotype spread from Africa to the Indian Ocean islands, resulting in a large epidemic in Southeast Asia. A retrospective review of cases in Southeast Asia found neurological manifestations or shock in 20% of hospitalized children.

As of June 15, 2025, Chikungunya can be prevented with either a U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved vaccine, which is recommended for international travelers visiting endemic areas.