President Maithripala Sirisena has instructed state authorities to take every possible step to control the Fall Armyworm (Sena) caterpillar, which poses a massive threat to the agricultural crops.

The President, during a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday further instructed officials to jointly implement a national programme in this regard. 

President Sirisena has given these instructions during a meeting held at the Presidential Secretariat, today (22) Sirisena said a Presidential Task force has also been set up to supervise this program.

The President pointed out the importance of taking quick decisions to control this menace.

The President also instructed the Deputy Minister of Mahaweli, Ajith Mannapperuma and an Additional Secretary of the Presidential Secretariat and senior representatives of the Ministry of Plantation Industries to coordinate the work of the Presidential Task Force.   

In addition, the President instructed officials to educate farmers and farmer organizations to educate on the need to control and eliminate this issue.

He said the educational programme should be implemented with the participation of agricultural researchers and field officers of government and private sectors.