A student of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Ruhuna has died after contracting dengue fever, prompting renewed concerns over dengue prevention measures within university premises.
The deceased has been identified as a member of the university's 46th student intake and a resident of Deniyaya, Matara.
According to reports, shortly before her death, she had sent a WhatsApp message to one of her closest friends, stating, “If I don't die, I'll come.” The message later became the final communication she shared with her friend.
In the wake of the tragedy, university students have called on authorities to urgently strengthen dengue prevention and control programmes across university campuses, stressing that immediate action is needed to prevent further loss of life.
Health officials have meanwhile warned that the Matara Municipal Council area remains at high risk for dengue transmission. They have urged the general public to maintain clean surroundings and eliminate mosquito breeding sites in order to safeguard the lives of their families and loved ones.
