Srilanka, Feb. 4 -- The government is set to conduct its first island-wide census of the monkey population, aiming to address the alarming destruction of coconut crops caused by these primates.

The census is scheduled to take place on either February 15 or February 22, with a coordinated effort across all districts, Chairman of the Coconut Cultivation Board Dr. Sunimal Jayakody said yesterday.

The urgency for this census has been underscored by recent reports indicating that millions of coconuts were destroyed in 2024 due to monkey interventions, significantly impacting the nation's economy. In response to this pressing issue, multiple government entities-including the Ministry of Plantation Industries, the Ministry of Environment, the...