It is reported that nearly 48 thousand hectares of agricultural crops, including maize, have been destroyed by the Fall Army Worm in the districts of Ampara, Anuradhapura, Moneragala, Kurunegala, Polonnaruwa and Hambantota.
In addition, the Fall Army Worm menace has spread to other areas such as Matara, Ratnapura and Badulla.
The affected maize farmers requested the government to provide compensation to them following their crop being destroyed by the Fall Army Worm.
Meanwhile, Agriculture, Rural Economic Affairs, Livestock Development, Irrigation, fisheries and aquatic resources minister, P Harrison said that necessary actions will be taken after gathering details about the destroyed maize cultivation.
He was addressing a media conference held in Colombo this morning.
The minister further said that an anti-Fall Army Worm programme will be launched soon.