Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Julie Bishop, who is in Sri Lanka on a state visit, has announced Rs. 58 million for immediate dengue prevention in Sri Lanka.

Australia will also provide Rs. 118 million for long-term dengue research at the Monash University, Bishop said, during a meeting with President Maithripala Sirisena.

On July 17, the Australia Foreign Affairs Ministry announced that Bishop would visit Sri Lanka from 18-20 July, where she would make an announcement on combating dengue.

Bishop who also met with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Sri Lankan Foreign Minister Ravi Karunanayake and other ministers to discuss security cooperation and explore new economic opportunities in science, resources and energy.

Bishop said she would also discuss progress on the implementation of Sri Lanka's reconciliation process, which is critical to its long-term security and prosperity.