Sri Lanka expands anti-dengue drive as deaths mount

Sri Lanka is intensifying a military-backed drive to contain the spread of mosquito-borne dengue fever, a senior official said Wednesday, as the death toll climbed to 49 since the start of the year.

Beginning Thursday, medical staff and security forces involved in the effort will be doubled, focusing on the capital Colombo and two neighbouring districts, which are the worst-affected areas, said Kapila Kannangara, head of the National Dengue Control Unit.

Official data shows that 61,057 people were infected in the first six months of this year, more than double the 30,060 infections recorded during the same period in 2025.