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

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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)

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No withdrawal of security at religious places – MoD

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The Ministry of Defence states that the reports claiming the removal of security provided by the Tri-Forces and the Civil Defence Force at religious places in the country are untrue.

This was communicated by the media spokesman of the Ministry of Defence during a special press conference held this afternoon (03).

Speaking during the press conference, the media spokesman of Sri Lanka Army Major General Rasika Kumara stated that the government has not reached any decision to reduce the number of security personnel deployed at the religious places as of yet.

Furthermore, he assured that removing of tri-forces personnel from religious places is carried out only if it is confirmed that the number of security personnel required for a concerned location is less than the deployed amount, during security analysis conducted on a regular basis by the Army Headquarters.

(AdaDerana)
(This story, originally published by AdaDerana has not been edited by SLM staff)

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If this continues, country will end up like the KDU bus – RW

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Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe reiterated that people with political experience should be appointed as parliamentary representatives in the upcoming General Election.

Joining a press conference held in Colombo, Wickremesinghe further stated that if not, the country will go into another crisis situation.

Responding to a question, the former President also spoke on not seeking to enter the parliament in the coming election.

“Now it is enough that I was in the Parliament. I believe we need to form a new group from within our alliance representing the ‘Gas Cylinder’ because these are the only experienced people in the country.”

Today, the government lacks experienced individuals, he claimed. “These people have been working consistently for the past three or four years, helped me turn this around in two years.”

He further added, “Sri Lanka could be the fastest country to emerge from bankruptcy, but the path forward is uncertain. Without capable leadership, the situation could spiral—just like the KDU bus veered off the road. That’s why I urge everyone to send knowledgeable and experienced individuals to Parliament.”

(adaderana.lk)
(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by adaderana.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

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Distribution of polling cards for Gen. election continues today

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The Department of Posts has designated today as a special day for distributing polling cards for the upcoming 2024 general election. 

Senior Deputy Postmaster General Rajitha Ranasinghe announced that 2,090 distribution offices will be open, with 8,000 staff assigned to the task.

Polling cards will be distributed from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and the public is urged to cooperate throughout the process.

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