The infestation destroying rural Sri Lanka

Colombo (News1st) - Sri Lankan farmers who were unable to cultivate their lands for several seasons have now been affected by another menace which is threatening to destroy their crops. The latest disaster to impact the agriculture of Sri Lanka is the Sena Caterpillar which has already ruined more than 100 varieties of plants in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka first heard about this variety of caterpillar in October last year. News 1st reported on how the caterpillar was rapidly consuming corn cultivations over the past few months and how this was further burdening the farmers. According to farmers over 33, 000 hectares of farmlands were destroyed in Ampara last year. However, the Government is yet to find a proper solution to this burgeoning crisis. According to our correspondents in the area, the farmers who are being troubled by the "Sena" infestation are the same farmers that were unable to cultivate their farmlands for the past four seasons. A number of farmers speaking to News1st stated that they have been left helpless as they are unable to repay their debts. The same situation is being experienced in the Anuradhapura district. A farmer from Anuradhapura speaking to New1st stated that while politicians are busy squabbling over a constitution, which does not benefit anyone, they have to fend for themselves. He noted that none of the officials had come to these areas to witnesses their crops which have been destroyed. Minister of Agriculture, P. Harrison this is for your attention.