Dengue breeding - Principals feel the sting

Ridma DISSANAYAKE

The Health Ministry will take legal action against 18 school Principals who contributed to the spread of dengue, a spokesman said. Health Minister Maithripala Sirisena has directed officials to take legal action against the Principals. The ministry will file cases against 18 Principals of Gampaha district, he said.

The Medical Research Institute (MRI) in Borella has launched micro-biological research related to dengue in institutions, schools and MRI officials had inspected 26 private institutions, 27 schools and 100 homes.

According to the research, concrete producing factories, tyre sales centres and ornamental flower nurseries have been identified as main sites which spread dengue.

They also found places with dengue larvae from 18 schools in Kiribathgoda, Kadawatha, Yakkala, Seeduwa and Kelaniya areas.

The officials also found such places at 59 houses and homes gardens among the 100 homes inspected.

Yesterday was the last day of National Dengue Eradication Day.

All measures are in place to take legal action against the Principals who had ignored Health Ministry directions.