Fisheries Minister Mahinda Amaraweera has instructed the Director General of Fisheries Christilal Fernando to take steps to destroy boats and ferries which are left to rot on the beach and have become breeding grounds for Dengue.

This move is in support of the Dengue Prevention Program initiated by President Maithripala Sirisena.

According to sources, more than 40,000 dengue patients have been reported during the first four months of this year.

As the Southwest monsoon has become active in the country, there are spells of rain as well as sunshine, which is a good condition for the breeding of Dengue larvae.

The Minister has instructed the Director General of Fisheries to act immediately to declare a Dengue control day this month as well.

In addition, the minister has advised the Fisheries Director General to inform the fisher folk through the Fisheries Inspectors to get their support to clean the beaches as well as the harborus.