'Sena' originated in USA: Harrison

23 January 2019 07:15 pm - 11 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sena Caterpillar (fall Armyworm) has been originally spotted in America and had later spread towards Africa and Asia, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Economy P. Harrison told Parliament today.

Minister Harrison who made a special statement in the House said the pest had started breeding though the moth that had come along with the blowing of the wind.

“The moth could fly 100km within a day and the wind blow would have helped it to move from country to country,” the minister said.

“The insect was first identified in India in 2018 and the Sri Lankan farmers were given a prior warning when it was seen in the sub-continent,” he added.

Investigations are being carried out to determine various suspicions and a task force has been established to control the pest. In addition, a sum of Rs.120 million has been allocated for the control of the pest," the minister said.

The minister said cabinet nod has been given through a cabinet paper under which Rs.40,000 will be paid for an acre as compensation.

“University dons, the indigenous peasants who have come with natural methods to destroy the pest have already been consulted to come up with clear ways and means to save the crops from the caterpillar,” the minister also said.

He assured that further investigations will be carried out to determine whether there are any acts of sabotage. Minister Harrison said this in response to allegations which the opposition MPs came out with. MP Wimal Weerawansa said the pest had come with imported maize seeds. MP Chandrasiri Gajadeera said the pest has been released into fields by the multinational companies which import pesticides. (Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana)

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Comments - 11

Mr. Dalambuwa Wednesday, 23 January 2019 07:50 PM

So the Americans probably know how to deal with the worm but how to ask for help without some morons shouting hoarse that it will compromise national security!!!!!!!

DHA Wednesday, 23 January 2019 07:56 PM

It's a shame given prior warning no action was taken !!! Then again all were busy securing their seats no one cared about the country....

Dr. Parakrama Gurusinghe Wednesday, 23 January 2019 08:13 PM

This minister is dumb and uninformed. Moths can fly only few hundred yards. However, they lay a large number of eggs, therefore swarms of caterpillars. That is why the name armyworms. Yes it is a problem in US but the pest is world wide. Different species. In US scientists have developed a corn variety resistant to armyworm by inserting the bacterial gene from Bascillous thrungiensis. This bacterium produces a toxin poisonous to the larva which is the armyworm. This is one successful story of genetic engineering.

City Thursday, 24 January 2019 06:22 AM

Sir,why didn't you share this knowledge with the relevant authorities when it was spreading..it would have been a great and our agriculture officials would have benefited.its easy to criticize but implementation is hard sir in country like SL.

SAM Thursday, 24 January 2019 10:50 AM

Your info does not seem to be so refer via Google.

Sam Thursday, 24 January 2019 05:35 AM

I find it incredible that every single thing that happens in this country is considered as being a conspiracy. The rest of the world is always trying to sabotage poor little Sri Lanka. I find it even more incredible that government 'our' money is wasted investigating such claims. The claims are always from low life politicos who try to discredit others. The ridiculous claims somehow end up costing tax payers money. Please everyone, let's stop idiots like this from getting to parliament in the future.

Rohan Thursday, 24 January 2019 10:53 AM

Sam,when Britain left Sri Lanka 70 years ago after invading and occupying for 150 years,they made sure a healthy Christian community they had created continue to exist in Sri Lanka to protect the interest of the West.

DillonDP Thursday, 24 January 2019 10:39 AM

Sena didn't originate from USA, it originated from within your sarong. If it was from USA it would have a better name

sunil Thursday, 24 January 2019 05:06 PM

well said

DillonDP Thursday, 24 January 2019 11:03 AM

Sena didn't originate from USA, it originated from within your sarong. If it was from USA it would have a better name than sena....

NAF Thursday, 24 January 2019 05:19 PM

Siri sena from Sri lanka you are wrong

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'Sena' originated in USA: Harrison

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