Why is Sri Lanka’s dengue outbreak straining its public health sector? | Explained

A worker from the Medical Officer of Health (MOH) department fumigates a residential area during a mosquito control programme in Colombo, Sri Lanka. File

| Photo Credit: Reuters

The story so far: Sri Lanka is grappling with a major dengue outbreak amid a surge in cases reported over the past few months. The National Dengue Control Unit has reported a total of 47,530 cases and 29 dengue-related deaths as of June 22, 2026. In order to respond to what has now become a significant public health challenge, the government decided to appoint a military-led monitoring unit. The President’s Office announced this decision in a statement issued on June 22, 2026.

Is the outbreak across the island?

Yes, cases are being reported from different parts of the island, but capital Colombo is witnessing the highest number of cases among the island’s districts, with nearly 10,000 cases as of June 22, 2026.

What has caused this outbreak?

Senior doctors and public health officials have attributed the surge in cases to the monsoons and the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which ravaged the island nation in December last year.

“We noticed this increase after the cyclone,” Dr. Prashila Samaraweera, consultant community physician at the National Dengue Control Unit, told news agency Reuters, adding: “A lot of debris was in our environment, so we noticed a lot of mosquito breeding places, and our entomological indices were high from that time.”

Has Sri Lanka witnessed similar outbreaks in the past?

Yes, Sri Lanka has experienced large outbreaks in recent years, including 2017, 2019, and 2023.

A massive dengue outbreak in 2017 recorded a total of 186,101 cases — the largest outbreak yet — and 440 dengue-related deaths. The years 2019 and 2023, too, saw outbreaks, prompting authorities to launch a ‘National Strategic Plan’ for the prevention and control of dengue.

How is the current outbreak straining Sri Lanka’s healthcare system?

Sri Lanka has long been recognised for its strong public health system, which provides healthcare to much of the population, including in rural areas. However, health authorities say the recent surge in dengue cases is proving a major challenge to the healthcare sector, as a growing number of patients require hospitalisation for treatment.

Last week, the Health Ministry said several hospitals were operating beyond capacity due to the sharp rise in dengue admissions. Local media reports quoted Health Minister Dr. Jayatissa as warning that the country’s hospital system could face significant strain if case numbers continue to increase.

What is Sri Lanka’s track record in handling vector-borne diseases?

Sri Lanka eradicated malaria in 2016, drawing international praise. However, the island nation periodically grapples with dengue and chikungunya outbreaks, especially around its monsoon cycles that are now seeing some shifts in timing, duration, and intensity.

Why has the military been tasked with monitoring and preventing the spread of dengue?

Sri Lanka’s tri-forces are often deployed during natural disasters and public health emergencies.

The military was also involved during the Covid-19 pandemic years beginning in 2020 and in disaster management during Cyclone Ditwah. Successive governments’ decisions to engage armed, uniformed personnel during public health emergencies have elicited a mixed response from citizens, with some raising questions over the military’s participation in a civic issue.

The discomfort is seen more in the island’s Tamil-majority north and east, the former war zone, where locals have a difficult and tense relationship with the military, even as they seek de-militarisation in their areas 17 years after the civil war ended.

Published - June 24, 2026 10:08 am IST