By Dayaratne Embogama

Coconut cultivation in the Anuradhapura District has been affected by an unidentified pest, much to the anxiety of the coconut smallholders.

Several coconut smallholders said they have been compelled to cut down and destroy the affected trees to prevent the spread of the pest, regardless of its loss. They pointed out that thousands of coconut trees had already been affected.

They said their representations in this regard to the relevant authorities including Coconut Development Board had fallen on deaf ears.