Sri Lanka, Nov. 12 -- The Coconut Cultivation Board (CCB) has decided to cut down and destroy about 5,000 coconut trees in the Matara District, due to the rapid spread of the coconut root (wilt) disease.

The disease known as "Weligama Wint" has been identified as caused by an invasive insect species locally known as "Renda Makuna".

Currently, a total of 6,250 coconut trees within the Matara District alone have already been affected by this disease, said Dr. Sunimal Jayakody, Chairman of the Coconut Cultivation Board.

"This disease has really created a serious problem for coconut cultivation across the entire Southern Province. It's been around in this area for nearly 15 years now. Although it has been possible to control it from spread...