India Hands Over Technical Malathion To Support Sri Lanka's Public Health Efforts

India on Tuesday handed over 500 litres of Technical Malathion to Sri Lanka to support the island nation's efforts to control the ongoing dengue outbreak. The consignment was presented by Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha to Sri Lanka's Health Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa as a gift from the Government and people of India, reaffirming New Delhi's commitment to assisting its neighbour in strengthening public health measures.

Announcing the assistance, Jha said India stands with Sri Lanka in its fight against dengue and expressed hope that the insecticide would support the country's ongoing mosquito control efforts. The assistance comes at a time when dengue treatment wards across several government hospitals in Sri Lanka continue to remain overcrowded despite a decline in the number of daily infections. According to official figures, daily dengue cases have fallen from a peak of around 1,000 to nearly 500, although hospitals continue to face pressure due to the large number of patients requiring treatment.

Officials from Sri Lanka's Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA) said congestion in dengue wards has eased slightly but remains a significant concern. GMOA Secretary Prabath Sugathadasa noted that while the surge witnessed during the peak of the outbreak has moderated, many healthcare facilities are still operating beyond their intended capacity. The latest assistance is expected to strengthen vector control efforts aimed at reducing mosquito populations and preventing further spread of the disease.

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India's support forms part of its broader development partnership with Sri Lanka. During a review meeting on July 27, High Commissioner Santosh Jha said India's assistance for development projects in the country has exceeded USD 7.5 billion, including more than USD 850 million in grants. According to the Indian High Commission, these people-centric projects span all 25 districts of Sri Lanka and cover sectors such as healthcare, education, housing, railways, energy and livelihoods.

The two countries have also continued to deepen cooperation in the healthcare sector. On July 14, India and Sri Lanka signed a Memorandum of Understanding under which India will provide a grant of SLR 600 million to supply medical equipment to the Base Hospital in Deniyaya, which is being relocated to a safer location as part of the country's disaster preparedness measures. The project forms part of India's broader assistance package for Sri Lanka's reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts, reflecting the continued collaboration between the two nations in health and infrastructure development.

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