Monkey census data pending, crop losses continue

Plantation Industries Ministry Secretary Gunadasa Amarasinghe says the ministry has not yet received the findings of the monkey census conducted recently at a cost of approximately Rs. 3.9 million.

He made this disclosure while appearing before the Committee on Public Finance.

The committee, chaired by MP Dr. Harsha de Silva, held extensive discussions on the wildlife census during its meeting.

The Secretary noted that the damage caused to crops by wild animals continues unabated.

He further stated that no permanent or definitive solution has yet been found to prevent such damage or effectively address the issue.