Sri Lanka Shifts Universities Online as Dengue Cases Top 65,000
Colombo: Sri Lankan universities have moved to online classes as the country experiences one of its worst dengue outbreaks in recent years. The University of Colombo, the University of Moratuwa, and the University of the Visual and Performing Arts have all taken measures to temporarily close campuses or shift to online learning to curb the spread of the vector-borne disease.
According to the National Dengue Control Unit, Sri Lanka has recorded 65,034 dengue cases so far this year, with the capital Colombo accounting for about a fifth of the cases. As of July 8, 2026, 45 dengue-related deaths have been reported.
The University of Colombo has reported 71 cases among its students since May. Vice Chancellor Professor Indika Mahesh Karunathilake stated that the decision to move lectures online was made after a spike in fever cases among students, including possible viral infections and chikungunya. 'The students were concerned, so we decided to shift to online lessons. The decision is not entirely to do with the current spread, but it is to allow students to rest and recover,' he said. Other faculties have been given the option of hybrid lessons.
The outbreak has strained the public health sector, with hospitals reporting overcrowding. In response, authorities appointed a military-led team to monitor the situation. The tri-forces and police have intensified inspections, using drone cameras, clean-up campaigns, fogging operations, and awareness programmes. A senior official from the National Dengue Control Unit said, 'We need to wait for about two weeks, considering the incubation period and life cycle of the vectors for a realistic assessment. While we are doing our best, the situation is still challenging.' The official compared the current outbreak to the one in 2017, Sri Lanka's largest, when 186,101 cases were reported.
Public health officials have linked the rise in dengue cases to debris left by Cyclone Ditwah, which hit Sri Lanka in December 2025, killing over 600 people and causing widespread destruction. The cyclone created breeding grounds for mosquitoes, accelerating the spread of the disease.
Dengue is a viral illness transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, joint and muscle pain, fatigue, nausea, and skin rash. Severe dengue can be life-threatening. Preventive measures include eliminating stagnant water, using mosquito repellents, and fogging.
