High population density contributing to TB spread in Colombo: Health Minister

Minister of Health Nalinda Jayatissa says the high population density in Colombo has been a major contributing factor to the spread of tuberculosis (TB) in the city over the years.

Responding to an oral question raised by MP Mujibur Rahuman in Parliament today (23), the Minister revealed that 968 tuberculosis cases were reported in Colombo city in 2025, marking a decline compared to previous years.

According to the figures presented by the Minister, Colombo city recorded 871 tuberculosis cases in 2019, which declined to 736 in 2020 before increasing to 796 in 2021.

The number of reported cases subsequently increased to 1,093 in 2022 and 1,130 in 2023, the highest during the 2019–2025 period, before declining to 1,064 in 2024 and 968 in 2025.

Meanwhile, the Minister revealed that the Colombo District recorded 2,264 tuberculosis cases in 2015, followed by 2,156 in 2016, 2,051 in 2017 and 2,088 in 2018.

He further stated that 25% of tuberculosis cases reported in the Colombo District are from within the Colombo Municipal Council (CMC) limits.

Minister Jayatissa also pointed out that some individuals infected with tuberculosis fail to seek proper medical treatment, contributing to the continued spread of the disease.

However, he stated that free medication and appropriate treatment are being provided to patients, while mobile treatment services and X-ray examinations are also being conducted as part of efforts to control the spread of tuberculosis.

The Minister noted that tuberculosis cases reported in Colombo city have shown a declining trend since 2023, with a further reduction recorded in 2025. (Newswire)

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