Sandali of Ruhuna University, who wrote 'I will come if I don't die after contracting dengue,' has indeed passed away.

Sandali Tharika, a 23-year-old student residing in Deniyaya, Matara, who was studying in the 46th student batch of the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Ruhunu University, has unfortunately passed away due to dengue fever. Her sudden demise at the prime of her youth has deeply shocked the entire university community, including the Arts Faculty Student Union and the General Student Union of Ruhunu University, who express their profound condolences.

This untimely death, which reaffirms the Buddha's saying "Piyēhi vippayōgō dukkhō" (Separation from loved ones is suffering), has become a tragedy that has shaken the entire nation.

The unfortunate passing of student Sandali Tharika clearly demonstrates the terrifying nature of the dengue epidemic, which is once again raising its head in the country. According to official statistics from the National Dengue Control Unit and the Epidemiology Unit, nearly 37,000 dengue patients have been reported across the island during the elapsed period of this year, while some hospital sources indicate that the total number of infected individuals has already exceeded the 50,000 mark. With the recent monsoon rains and flood conditions in the country, the spread of this disease is rapidly increasing beyond control.

More than fifty percent of the spread of this viral disease is reported from the Western Province, and considering the situation, the Ministry of Health has officially declared several areas as high-risk zones. Accordingly, Colombo, Gampaha, Kalutara, Kandy, Galle, Ratnapura, as well as Matara district, the hometown of the deceased student, are included among these high-risk zones.

Many have been shocked by the poignant message Sandali Tharika sent to her dance group, informing them about her illness due to dengue, which read: 'If I don't die, I'll come, friends.'