Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa has observed that Sena caterpillar attack issue has become a national disaster and called on the government to take immediate measures to eradicate the menace.

He was addressing the House on Tuesday. During his address, Mahinda Rajapaksa said:

“ Sena Caterpillar attack issue is fast becoming a national disaster. We call on the government to take immediate action and deploy all its officers to fight the menace.

Maha harvest is now destroyed and the farmers who cultivate on loans have now no means to settle their outstanding debts. They have no means to raise funds for the next Yala season. Therefore, the government should take measures to provide them with seeds and fertilizer for the next season. The government should write off the loans taken by the farmers and pay a monthly allowance until their livelihoods are restored.

There are some farmers who have adopted various methods to curb this menace with successful results. The government should make use of their expertise and experience to curb this menace effectively and efficiently. It is important that the Government provides financial assistance till the farmers are able to cultivate some other product, which will bear fruit and make money.

Sena caterpillar attack is reported from different parts of the country. Ampara, Monaragala, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Vavuniya, Kurunegala, Jaffna, Puttalam, Kegalle, and Ratnapura districts are mostly affected. The Sena caterpillar has started to spread in other parts of the country as well. Sena caterpillar harms corn, sugarcane, and finger millet cultivations. Vegetables and other crops including the grass for cattle feed are also vulnerable.

The Government is failing to provide necessary support. The development of agriculture related research during the last few years has led to this devastation. This is the opinion of the agriculture experts.”