Sena Caterpillar begins assault on Paddy

COLOMBO (News 1st): News 1st and the Ministry of Agriculture have taken steps to commence an islandwide program, along with the general public, to eradicate the 'Sena Caterpillar' menace. The pre-awareness program was held today (January 28) at the service training institute in Gannoruwa, Peradeniya. This program aims at educating those currently suffering from the 'Sena Caterpillar' epidemic. The program will continue tomorrow morning, in the Monaragala, Ampara, and Anuradhapura districts. Meanwhile, the 'Sena Caterpillar' has also been found in paddy cultivations in Nochchiyagama, Anuradhapura. "I took a sample of this caterpillar to the Agriculture Research Officer. He said that this was the 'Sena Caterpillar' and my cultivation should be destroyed. How can I destroy my cultivation? I need this to survive the next six months." - Farmer At present, farmers have sown paddy in approximately 2000 acres of land in the area, while more than half of this has been devastated by the 'Sena Caterpillar' epidemic. "Please provide us with some sort of relief. Tell them to halt the salaries of ministers and to support us financially. Farmers are now helpless. They only think of themselves." - Farmer Meanwhile, the 'Sena Caterpillar' epidemic was subject to discussion at a media briefing today. Speaking at the media briefing, UPFA MP Rohitha Abeygunawardana stated that a Cabinet approval was given "in a rush" to disburse Rs. 670 Million to import 12,000 metric tons of corn to manufacture thriposha. "Cabinet approval was given to an institution named K.S.G. to import all 12,000 metric tons. Who is K. S. G.? Doesn't Sri Lanka have other institutions that import corn? What about a tender system? After all, this is the Yahapalnaya government." said the MP. MP Abeygunawardena revealed that the Cabinet paper was submitted by Minister (Dr.) Rajitha Senaratne and Minister P. Harrison.