COLOMBO, June 18 -- Sri Lanka faces the risk of dengue cases reaching epidemic proportions this year as infections continue to rise sharply across the country, Health and Mass Media Ministry Secretary Dr Anil Jasinghe warned on Thursday (18).

Dr Jasinghe told a television current affairs talk show that health authorities were closely monitoring the situation following a significant increase in cases since April, with the onset of monsoon conditions expected to further accelerate transmission.

According to official figures, Sri Lanka reported approximately 5,600 dengue cases in April. The number surged to around 8,500 cases in May, and to over 7,000 cases in the first two weeks of June, reflecting a consistent steep increase in infection...