A total of 71 students at the University of Colombo have contracted dengue, with five students currently receiving hospital treatment, according to Vice Chancellor Professor Indika Karunathilake.
The Vice Chancellor said most of the reported cases were from the Faculty of Arts. In response, and to minimise disruptions to students’ academic activities, the university has decided to conduct lectures in several faculties through online and hybrid modes for one week.
Professor Karunathilake said the university has implemented several measures to control the spread of dengue and is closely monitoring the health of students undergoing treatment.
He noted that the decision to shift lectures online was made to allow affected students adequate time to rest and recover.
The Vice Chancellor also said the dengue situation on campus is now under control and urged students experiencing fever or dengue-related symptoms to seek immediate medical attention and follow health guidelines.
He clarified that the University of Colombo has not been closed and that there are no plans to suspend academic activities.
Meanwhile, the University of Moratuwa has temporarily closed all its faculties for two weeks due to the risk of dengue transmission.
The University of the Visual and Performing Arts has also temporarily closed its premises following an outbreak of dengue and fever. The university is scheduled to reopen on July 13.
