Fly infestations in Kalpitiya disrupts tourism industry

By Padma Kumari Kankanamge in Kalpitiya

Kalpitiya, one of Sri Lanka’s top tourist destinations is experiencing an increase in fly infestations, to the point where it is becoming a daily nuisance for the locals.

Households, restaurants, hotels for tourists, hospitals, schools, and kindergartens are among the establishments impacted by the problem and contributing to socioeconomic problems. The flies have also had a significant negative impact on the tourism sector by turning away foreign visitors.

Farmers began using poultry feces as fertilizer for commercial crops and other cultivations, leading to the accumulation of flies.

Besides, regulations for the usage, storage, transportation, and maintaining of the quality of fertilizer made from poultry manure have been passed by the Kalpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha.

Traditional farmer J.A. Niroshan Gunathilake (31) said that farmers are using more poultry litter as fertilizer; some have even gone so far as to use chicken excrement on a large scale.

In 2019, farmers began utilizing poultry litter because chemical fertilizer was not readily available.

The fertilizer made of cattle dung, which was formerly sold for Rs 150, now costs Rs 700. Farmers began using poultry litter more frequently since it was inexpensive.

With this being in view, many farmers blamed the Govi Jana Sewa officials of neglecting to supply an adequate and suitable quantity of compost fertilizer.

“Even though each Grama Niladhari (GN) Division has agriculture officers and managers, they do not intervene to address problems or provide solutions,” farmers lamented.

The said fly problem in Kalpitiya began almost two years ago, but it has since worsened into a major crisis.

Norochcholai resident and a mother of three Siththi Fareeda added that hordes of flies congregate in her home starting at seven in the morning and until nightfall.

The flies, she continued, enter kitchens and contaminate food. She also mentioned how awful the smell of fertilizer made from chicken litter is.

"My kids often have stomach problems and diarrhea," she said.

The fly problem has a significant impact on the tourism sector as well.

According to Sugath Emanuel, secretary of the Kalpitiya Peninsula Tourism Association, the fly problem has a detrimental effect on the tourism business because it has reduced traveler interest.  

Due to flies and an unpleasant odor, some tourists are refusing to have breakfast or lunch, and some have even canceled their travel plans.

“These temporary regulations were created with a lot of work from stakeholders and regulatory officials; if they were put into effect, there will be some respite,” Mr. Emanuel remarked.

Provincial Officer Manoj Ratnayake of Provincial Tourism Development Authority, pointed out that fly infestations have affected hotels, restaurants, and guesthouses from Palaviya to Kalpitiya.

Fly infestations grew when chicken litter fertilizer was used, according to D.M. Sri Madumal Silva, the Medical Officer in Charge of Kalpitiya. The fertilizer was not of a standard or high grade. It has turned into a health problem.

He continued by saying that hotels have already received instructions from them on how to use cleaning supplies and safety precautions and that health officials had also offered guidance on establishing temporary restrictions.

However, Ms. B.V. Tharangika Shyamali, Director of Agriculture Office in Puttalam does not firmly think that using poultry feces as fertilizer is the reason why there are more flies.

Ms. Shyamali continued by saying she thought the problem stemmed from the use of poultry litter when given the right guidance. She added that she had also offered advice on the temporary regulations.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Council's legal division has received the said interim regulations, according to acting Secretary of Kalpitiya Pradeshiya Sabha Mr. Sujith Jayasundara.