We spend on coils but ignore mosquito breeding sites’ – Dr. Serasinghe

Colombo, June 6 (Daily Mirror) - Sri Lankans spend large sums of money on mosquito coils and repellents while failing to address the root causes of mosquito infestations, according to Dr. Prasanga Serasinghe, Director of the National Anti-Malaria and Mosquito Control Campaign.

Describing mosquito control as a shared responsibility, he said many people continue to overlook mosquito breeding grounds despite years of awareness campaigns by the Ministry of Health.

“If the public had accepted and followed the health messages issued over the years, we would not be facing so many mosquito-borne diseases today,” he said.

Dr. Serasinghe pointed out that mosquitoes commonly breed in closed concrete drains and stagnant water collections. He added that excessive reliance on coils and repellents not only costs households money but may also expose users to harmful side effects.

He called on the public to focus on eliminating breeding sites rather than relying solely on mosquito-repellent products.