Colombo, Jan 12 (IANS): Sri Lankas Ministry of Science and Technology was exploring the possibility of controlling dengue by using drone technology, a media report said on Sunday.

State Minister of Technology and Innovation Thilanga Sumathipala has called attention to using drone technology to eliminate dengue, the Colombo Page reported.

Discussions were held on how the latest technology can be used for the development of Sri Lanka.

The use of drone technology for the prevention of dengue menace, which has had a serious impact on the health and development of Sri Lanka has been discussed at length.

A recent study by Sri Lankan researchers has successfully identified the usage of drone technology for aerial inspection to identify mosquito breeding sites and transmit the information to the Public Health Inspectors.

The information can then be used to release Bti bacteria to the identified sites via a drone.

Last year, at least 120 people died of dengue in the island nation.