CCB Chairman Dr. Sunimal Jayakody said officers have been subjected to death threats, intimidation and even attacks involving dogs by several coconut growers attempting to obstruct the removal process. He noted that the hostility has made it increasingly difficult for teams to continue their operations without security support.
Although legal action can be taken against those obstructing officials, Dr. Jayakody said the board prefers a compassionate approach, acknowledging the financial strain faced by growers losing their trees.
The CCB has alerted the State Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Mass Media, the Matara District Secretary and local Divisional Secretaries regarding the escalating situation. Currently, 20 teams—each comprising seven field officers—are deployed across the district, and multiple police complaints have been lodged.
The removal programme, launched on November 11, aims to cut down around 500 infected trees daily over a two-week period. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to contain the spread of the fast-moving “Weligama Wilt” disease, caused by the invasive “Renda Makuna” insect.
According to the CCB, more than 6,200 trees in Matara have already been infected, with the disease now detected in Galle and Hambantota as well. Affected trees typically die within two years, posing a severe risk to Sri Lanka’s coconut industry. Officials suspect the invasive insect may have entered the country by sea from Indonesia.
