Health authorities say hospitals are reaching or exceeding capacity as dengue cases continue to rise across Sri Lanka.

More than 35,000 dengue cases and 19 deaths have been reported so far this year.

A special islandwide mosquito control programme will be carried out on June 8, 9 and 10.

Officials say about 50% of cases are reported from the Western Province, with highest numbers in Colombo, Gampaha, Ratnapura, Matara, Galle, Kalutara and Kandy.