Sri Lanka Reports 35 Imported Malaria Cases in 2025 — One Fatality Confirmed

Sri Lanka has recorded 35 imported cases of malaria so far in 2025, with one fatality reported, according to the Anti-Malaria Campaign. Health authorities are urging outbound travellers to take preventive medication before visiting malaria-prone regions.

The Anti-Malaria Campaign has confirmed that a total of 35 malaria cases were detected in Sri Lanka between January and September 2025. Speaking on the matter, Dr. Indiwari Gunaratne, Community Physician of the campaign, revealed that 83% of the patients were male, while 80% were Sri Lankan nationals who contracted the disease abroad before returning to the country.

She further noted that 77% of the infections were caused by Plasmodium falciparum — the parasite responsible for cerebral malaria, a severe and potentially life-threatening form that can lead to multi-organ complications.

“Fortunately, around 86% of patients have fully recovered without complications,” Dr. Gunaratne added.

Recent infections were predominantly reported among pilgrims who travelled to Myanmar, Thailand, and Dambadiva, as well as Sri Lankans who visited African nations for employment or training purposes.

Dr. Gunaratne emphasized the importance of preventive measures, advising all outbound travellers to obtain anti-malarial medication before departing to countries where the disease is prevalent. She highlighted that these preventive medicines are available free of charge through regional malaria control units and the Anti-Malaria Campaign offices across the island.

Sri Lanka was declared malaria-free by the World Health Organization in 2016, and health officials continue to closely monitor imported cases to prevent local transmission.