Dengue control efforts stalled as key post remains vacant

The National Dengue Control Unit is facing a critical slowdown in operations following the retirement of its Director, Dr. Sudath Samaraweera, last week.

No successor or acting director has been appointed, leaving the leadership post vacant at a time when dengue cases are surging.

Health Ministry sources say the lack of leadership has disrupted daily functions of the Unit, raising concerns over the country’s preparedness to manage the outbreak.

As of August, 34,547 dengue cases and 18 related deaths have been reported in 2025. Colombo, Gampaha, Ratnapura, Batticaloa, and Kandy districts are currently the most affected.