The Ministry of Education has instructed all school principals to allow students to wear suitable clothing that covers their arms and legs, in addition to the prescribed school uniform, to protect them from dengue mosquito bites.
The directive was issued in a statement released by the Ministry of Education as part of measures to reduce the risk of dengue among schoolchildren.
The Ministry has also instructed principals to advise students to use mosquito repellents that meet approved quality standards.
Meanwhile, the number of dengue cases recorded in Sri Lanka so far this year has surpassed 68,000, with 47 deaths reported, the National Dengue Control Unit said.
According to the unit, a total of 68,071 dengue cases have been reported across the country to date.
The highest number of cases was recorded in June, with 21,538 infections reported during the month.
The National Dengue Control Unit said 12,692 dengue cases were reported during the first 11 days of July, indicating a continued rise in infections.
The Western Province has recorded the highest number of cases so far, with 35,823 infections reported.
