The mayor of Kandy and district health officials have been taken to task for failing to show initiative in safeguarding the health of the public.
The criticism came from Central Province governor Tikiri Kobbekaduwa, who had convened a special meeting to discuss the district’s health situation, with emphasis on the dengue problem.
Governor Kobbekaduwa said the mayor was more interested in putting up unauthorised structures around Kandy town than in taking action with respect to the health of Kandy residents. He said the mayor was conspicuous by his absence at the meeting, and noted that the mayor had not even sent a representative.
The governor also noted that the only Pradeshiya Sabha represented at the meeting was the Tumpane Pradeshiya, Sabha, represented by Upali Kumarasinghe.
Dengue cases have been on the increase in Kandy district. Fourteen dengue-related deaths have been reported from Kandy so far this year. The most recent victim was a 16-year-old girl from Katukelle, who died on Thursday. Four dengue patients, also from Katukelle, were admitted to Kandy Hospital on Friday.
It was decided at the meeting that a dengue awareness-raising campaign be launched as soon as possible in the Central Province.
Central Province health minister Ediriweera Weerawardene was among the officials present. |
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