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Lanka’s drone use in dengue battle internationally acclaimed
Sri Lanka’s use of military drones to identify dengue mosquito breeding sites has received international attention amid the country’s worst outbreak of the disease by case numbers since 2017, according to a report published by Borgen Magazine.
The report by Louise Nethercott said Sri Lanka had recorded about 77,000 dengue cases and 56 deaths so far in 2026, with the DENV-2 strain accounting for more than 75% of infections.
The government began using drones in July to inspect difficult-to-reach locations, including rooftops of schools, houses and construction sites. Authorities have identified and eliminated about 11,000 breeding sites and fined around 4,000 premises for failing to remove potential breeding grounds, the report said.
The initiative was launched through a Public Health Pest Control and Vector-Borne Disease Response programme established by the Ministry of Health and the US Embassy in Sri Lanka.
The report attributed the sharp rise in dengue cases partly to the aftermath of Cyclone Ditwah, which struck Sri Lanka in November 2025, leaving debris and stagnant water that provided breeding grounds for mosquitoes.
It also noted that the outbreak has placed additional pressure on a healthcare system already affected by shortages of medical personnel and supplies.
The report said Sri Lanka’s drone-based approach represented an important tool in combating dengue, while noting concerns over the need for longer-term investment in public health infrastructure and sustainable disease-control measures.
A meeting between UN Resident Coordinator Marc-André Franche and Chief of Staff to the President Prabath Chandrakeerthi was held on Monday (07) morning at the Presidential Secretariat.
Particular attention was given to the Government’s programme to resettle people who lost their homes due to Cyclone Ditwah.
The Government’s programme to address potential disasters that may arise in the future amid El Nino conditions was also discussed. The Chief of Staff to the President briefed the UN Resident Coordinator on the Government’s preparedness and plans to address such challenges.
Mr Franche stated that the United Nations was prepared to provide the necessary assistance to the Government to support the successful implementation of these programmes.
Partnerships and Development Finance Specialist at the United Nations Azam Bakeer Markar and UN Sri Lanka Humanitarian and Resilience Officer Wagisha Perera also participated in the discussion.
[President’s Media Division]
[ Cricbuzz]
The Indian Naval Ship (INS) Udaygiri arrived at the Port of Colombo on an official visit today, 8 September 2026, where it was received by the Sri Lanka Navy in accordance with time-
honoured naval traditions.
INS Udaygiri is a 149.02m long Frigate, Commanded by Captain Vikas Sood. Meanwhile, the Commanding Officer of the visiting ship is scheduled to call on Commander Western Naval
Area, Rear Admiral Harsha De Silva at the Western Naval Command Headquarters.
Captain Sood served as the Defence Adviser at the Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka from July 2020 to October 2023.
During their stay in the island, the crew of INS Udaygiri will participate in several goodwill events organized by the Sri Lanka Navy to enhance camaraderie between the two forces.
The visiting personnel are also scheduled to visit prominent tourist and cultural locations across the island.
Additionally, Sri Lanka Navy personnel are expected to visit the ship for capability observation and knowledge sharing, and will conduct onboard training during its stay.
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