If I heard it right the announcer said that this infestation was first noticed in the Caynam Islands in 1994. It devastated their papaw plantations and has new spread all the way to Sri Lanka.

I first noticed this infestation a few months back mainly on the underside of the leaves of the Araliya trees in my garden. It then spread to the few papaw trees around. In a short time the papaw trees all died off. These bugs have now taken over several other species of trees in my garden.

My first observations led to the conclusion that they feed mainly on trees that have a milky sap. But I now notice that other trees too act as hosts to this parasite. I was told by a friend in Kurunegala, that manioc, Jak, karapincha and now even coconut plantations are being invaded by this parasite.

It appears that this bug can easily adapt itself and obtain its nutrients from any type of sap. It is strange that the Agriculture Department is very silent regarding this pest which is now spreading all over the island, Even "The Island" (except for some readers letters), has not published a single article drawing the attention of the authorities to this serious infestation.

If remedial measures are available (other than cutting down and burning infested trees), a series of programmes on TV in all three languages, will be a great help.