Opposition calls for Parliamentary debate on 'Sena' worm crisis

The Opposition today called for a Parliamentary debate regarding the situation that has been created in the country due to the infestation of the Fall Armyworm known as 'Sena.'

By Sandun Jayawardana

The Opposition today called for a Parliamentary debate regarding the situation that has been created in the country due to the infestation of the Fall Armyworm known as 'Sena.'

Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa told Parliament that the Government has so far failed to take constructive steps to eradicate the 'Sena' worm and prevent it from spreading throughout the country. He noted that the worm was now present in all districts and had already caused severe damage to maize cultivations, while it was also spreading to other crops. 

He called on the Government to take relief measures to bring relief to affected farmers, including by providing compensation, seeds to replenish stocks that had been destroyed and also any monetary relief that could be provided so that they could survive until the situation is rectified. 

Chief Opposition Whip Mahinda Amaraweera meanwhile, called for a Parliamentary adjournment debate to discuss the crisis stemming from the 'Sena' worm. Leader of the House Lakshman Kiriella said that the Government was agreeable to such  a debate this week itself.