Insect in imported chrysanthemum flowers destroying Sri Lankan food crops: MP

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana

An insect called ‘White Fly’ which was inside 16 containers of chrysanthemum flowers is destroying Sri Lankan food crops, Opposition MP D. V. Chanaka told Parliament yesterday.  

The MP said National Plant Quarantine authorities have confirmed the presence of white fly inside the imported flowers.  

He said some 12 containers have been sent back after finding out the presence of the insect. This, he said despite advice given by the quarantine authorities to destroy the flowers.  “The containers have been imported through the mediation of certain officials,” the MP also revealed.