Amid claims that inadequate garbage collection by some Local Government (LG) institutions has contributed to the recent rise in dengue cases, the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government stated that local authorities facing resource shortages must formally notify the Ministry so that appropriate action could be taken.

During the past few weeks, several local authorities have come under criticism over waste collection and solid waste management. 

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Secretary to the Ministry of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government S Aloka Bandara said the issue was not widespread. "It is not a general issue. If there are problems regarding garbage collection, they should be confined to only a few local authorities."

He said that the Ministry steps in at policy level when necessary, but stressed that local authorities must first communicate any operational difficulties. "If there are resource issues or shortcomings, they must inform the Ministry. We cannot act on assumptions. On the other hand, management is also about working with available resources. We do not have unlimited resources."