Press briefing of Cabinet Decision taken on 2017-07-11

Further Implementation of the programme for the Control of Weligama Coconut Leaf Wilt and Rot Disease

- The Weligama Coconut Leaf Wilt and Rot Disease caused by a bacteria called Phytoplasma which is harmful to the coconut cultivation has spread in 12 Divisional Secretary's Divisions of the Matara District, 2 Divisional Secretary's Divisions of the Hambantota District and 2 Divisional Secretary's Divisions of the Galle District. After the affliction of this disease the coconut tree will be completely destroyed with the gradual reduction in the crop yield and causing the debility of the tree. A disease management programme was initiated in the year 2008 and after controlling the disease the necessary measures have been taken to prevent the spread of the disease outside the Zone. By now, the number of trees which have been infected with the disease have decreased and at the end of the year 2016, 290,279 infected trees have been uprooted. In addition, the activities such as making the land owners aware, payment of compensation, conducting of research on the disease and taking initiatives to plant resistant varieties have been undertaken during the past period. Accordingly, the proposal made by Hon. Navin Dissanayake, the Minister of Plantation Industries to further implement the disease control programme during the period of next 03 years until the disease is completely eradicated from the zone where it has been spread and to make use of provision in a sum of Rs.213.60 million for the purpose, was approved by the Cabinet.