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Sri Lanka king coconut output to crash 40-pct from white fly disease

Published

2 years ago

January 3, 2023

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Sri Lanka’s king coconut output can fall 40 percent as an infestation of white fly continues to spread, with officials said with an estimated 4.6 million palms already infected.

Standard coconut palms are also affected to a lesser extent.

“If the infestation in King Coconut is not controlled, we can expect up to 40 percent crop loss in future whereas coconut palms will only be affected about 4-5 percent,” Coconut Research Institute, Deputy Director, N. S. Arachchi said,

King coconuts plants are more prone to severe damage from white fly as they have a lower number of fronds compared to a coconut palm, officials said.

So far 4.6 million coconut palms have been infected in the districts of Kegalle, Gampaha, and Colombo with lower levels of spread seen so far in Ratnapura, Galle, Kandy, and Kurunegala.

White flies are attracted to yellow and orange colours, putting King Coconuts palms at more risk.

“This insect has an affinity for the yellow colour so the king coconut plantation has a huge impact from the fly,” Chairman of the Coconut Development Authority Keerthi Sri Weerasinghe said.

“The white fly disease is a huge threat to the dollar income of the country. The king coconut harvest is declining, paving the way to lowering the number of king coconut exports.”

“Currently, the king coconut exports have reduced due to this threat.”

King coconuts are retailing at around 150 to 160 rupees a nut in some markets in Colombo.

The Coconut Research Institute recommends spraying a mixture of 10 millimeters Neem(Kohomba) oil and 5 milimetre of soap powder to contain the fly.

(economynext.com)

Related Topics:king coconut lka SriLanka

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TRCSL denies suspension of ‘Starlink’ satellite broadband service

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4 hours ago

March 25, 2025

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The Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka (TRCSL) has dismissed media reports claiming it has decided to suspend the ‘Starlink’ satellite broadband service, which has been planned to be implemented in the country.

According to the Director General of TRCSL Bandula Herath, a dashboard system is required to carry out the necessary regulations for providing this service. However, there has been some delay in bringing in this system to the country, he said.

He stated that the ‘Starlink’ satellite broadband service is expected to become operational in April, as soon as the necessary systems are in place.

Speaking further, the Director General affirmed, “I can say with responsibility that the service provided by that company will not be stopped. The service is scheduled to be available in our country by April.”

He also highlighted that, “they provide a dashboard to properly regulate the service they offer, to ensure that the required service is being delivered correctly to the customers, and to regulate the country’s national security. Through this, we can regulate both issues effectively.”

(adaderana.lk)

(This story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

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March 25, 2025

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Fmr. State Minister remanded

Published

4 hours ago

March 25, 2025

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The Hulftsdorp Magistrate’s Court today (March 25) ordered to hold former State Minister – S. Viyalanderan in remand custody until April 01.

Viyalanderan was arrested by the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) after recording a statement in connection with allegedly aiding and abetting the soliciting of a bribe.