June 23, Colombo (LNW): In a bid to curb the escalating threat posed by invasive pests—particularly whiteflies—the Coconut Cultivation Board is initiating a comprehensive national campaign dubbed “Coconut Fortnight” (locally referred to as Pol Desathiya).
This concerted effort aims to safeguard one of Sri Lanka’s most vital agricultural resources from further damage.
The inaugural phase of the initiative is set to begin on July 14, with Jaffna district identified as the starting point for field operations. Dr Sunimal Jayakody, Chairman of the Coconut Cultivation Board, stated that the campaign is being launched as an urgent countermeasure following mounting concerns over the whitefly outbreak, which has begun to impact coconut yield and tree health in several regions.
“The Coconut Fortnight is not just symbolic,” Dr Jayakody explained. “We are undertaking a systematic intervention to contain and eliminate the spread of whiteflies, beginning in the north. The trees in Jaffna will undergo a thorough cleansing process using water jets to physically remove these pests.
Though labour-intensive, this method has proven effective in reducing pest populations without the use of excessive chemicals.”
Preparations are already under way to mobilise personnel, equipment, and logistical support for what is expected to be one of the largest pest control operations carried out by the Board in recent years.
Authorities are coordinating with local councils and agricultural officers to ensure a smooth rollout of the campaign across all coconut-growing districts in the coming weeks.
