He said the dengue menace can be completely eliminated from our environment if the public takes stringent measures to destroy dengue-breeding grounds.He said destroying discarded plastic containers, tyres, flowerpots, tins, rubber and polythene should be done regularly. Schoolchildren should be encouraged to keep the environment clean and tidy.
“The public should know that mosquitoes lay eggs in the soil, toilet bowls, drains, under dry leaves, air conditioner trays and many other places where water gets collected and remains stagnant,” he said.Dr. Wijewickrama said even doctors, nurses and other relevant health authorities are educated by health authorities on special measures that should be taken to eradicate the dengue menace.
He further advised school authorities to educate students about proper waste disposal methods as a large volume of waste is collected from classrooms.“Mosquitoes are also using roof gutters as breeding places and therefore architects should develop proper roof gutter systems where mosquitoes cannot lay eggs,” he said.
NCD Senior Director Maud Senaratne said the Council is managing a school for hearing-impaired children of low-income groups and thereafter, these students will be directed to job-oriented programmes enabling them to become employable.