President Sirisena on "war footing" with 'Sena' worm ; calls for spraying of pesticides

President Maithripala Sirisena today (Jan 22) called for a national programme that incorporates the spraying of pesticides on fields that have been affected by the 'Sena' (Fall Army) worm.

Addressing a meeting with the relevant ministers and other officials, President Sirisena said that the support of the public and the private sector would be sought in this initiative.

He had emphasised that measures must be taken with great commitment and an efficient manner with a war footing in this regard.

In addition, Mr. Sirisena had said that an awareness program must be implemented for farmers to educate them on the need to control and eliminate this pest.

The programme should be carried out by agricultural researchers and field officers of the government and private sector, President Sirisena told those who attended the meeting.

Ministers Mr. P. Harison and Mr. Daya Gamage, State Minister Mr. Amir Ali, Mahaweli and Environment Ministry Secretary Anura Disanayake, Director General of Mahaweliya, Dr. B.M.S. Dissanayake, Commissioner General of Agrarian Services and Wildlife  W.M.M.B. Weerasekara, Director General of Agriculture W.M.W. Weerakoon were present in this discussion.