Ask for progress review: Jayalath tells Lalith

United National Party (UNP) MP Jayalath Jayawardne yesterday wrote to presidential secretary Lalith Weeratunga urging him to call for progress re- views from ministry secretaries on the steps taken by them to prevent the spread of dengue.

He said dengue had reached endemic proportions and had affected the entire country resulting in the loss of several hundreds of valuable lives. Dr. Jayawardene said all hospitals were full of dengue patients. He said the matter should be considered a medical emergency.

"All steps should be taken to prevent the further spread of

I am shocked about this and cannot understand why the majority of them have not taken this circular seriously. It is a matter that concerns life and death of millions

the dengue fever," he said.

He recalled that a circular had been sent to all the ministry secretaries and Heads of Departments, advising them to take steps to prevent the spread of dengue.

Dr. Jayawardene said but unfortunately most of them had not taken much notice of the circular.

"I am really shocked about this and cannot understand why the majority of them have not taken this circular seriously," he said and added that this was a matter that concerned the life and death of millions of our people.

He requested Mr. Weeratunga to obtain a progress review to find out what type of action has been taken by all concerned with regard to your vital circular, which was on a matter of national importance.