State Minister Sudarshini Fernandopulle has requested all Sri Lankans traveling to African and Latin American countries to obtain anti-malarial drugs a week before departure.
The State Minister said all those who visit Sri Lanka from African and Latin American countries must undergo a blood test based on medical advice in the event they catch a fever upon returning.
State Minister Fernandopulle speaking at a malaria control programme at the Government Information Department said the public must be educated on the dangers of malaria.
The State Minister said in the 1930s a malaria epidemic was rampant which was brought under control and in 1963 Sri Lanka had 17 patients.
She noted that failure to pay due attention led to another breakout.
The State Minister said the last malaria patient died in 2012 and in 2016 Sri Lanka was named a malaria free country by the World Health Organisation.
However, State Minister Fernandopulle said malaria could still spread in Sri Lanka.
