Colombo District Secretary appeals to public to cooperate to conduct census

By Rathindra Kuruwita

There are an increasing number of reports of families in Colombo district not allowing government officials to conduct the ongoing census, Colombo District Secretary, K.G. Wijesiri said.

“We could not hold the census scheduled for 2021 due to the crises that took place in the last two years. The last census was held in 2011. The data collected here will be used for development activities in the future,” he said.

Wijesiri said that most households will receive a government official collecting data for the census in the coming days. These officials are acting according to the instructions of the district secretary, and the public is requested to assist them.

“I have been receiving news that residents of some areas in Colombo are not allowing census officials in. Others are refusing to provide information. Please don’t do this,” he said.

Wijesiri said Colombo also sees the collection of a large quantity of garbage each day due to its economic activities and population density.

“There is a direct link between dengue and waste management,” he said.

There are 13 local government bodies in the Colombo district, out of which eight have been identified as high risk areas for dengue, he said.

Wijesiri also urged all state institutions to appoint a designated official to counter dengue. His or her responsibility is to check the office premises, daily or once in two days, identify dengue breeding sites, and take necessary steps to destroy them, he said.

“Schools should also appoint a designated teacher for dengue eradication. Schools are hotspots for the spread of dengue, and those in charge must ensure there are no mosquito breeding sites there. This is the same for places of worship,” he said.