LAHORE, Sept 10: Sri Lankan government has pledged cooperation with Punjab government in its fight against dengue virus on Saturday after Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif in a diplomatic contact requested for the country's help that had combated the viral disease in the past successfully.

The Punjab chief minister thanked President Mahinda Rajapaksa for announcing cooperation of his government for eradication of dengue virus from the province, a handout said.

The chief minister said the government and people of Punjab were thankful to the Sri Lankan government.

Earlier in the day, Shahbaz Sharif, talking telephonically to Sri Lankan ambassador in Pakistan, had requested for his country's cooperation for overcoming dengue virus in Punjab.

After that, Sri Lankan ambassador contacted his government in this regard and President Rajapaksa immediately announced cooperation for the Punjab government's anti-dengue efforts.

The Sri Lankan government will provide medicines, equipment and medical staff to the provincial government to help combat dengue virus.