The Ministry of Agriculture, Lands, Livestock Development and Irrigation stated that the relevant State officers at each administrative level attached to Provincial Councils and District Secretariats have been deployed to monitor and assist with the islandwide monkey population census, which is scheduled for 15 March.

Speaking at a special media briefing held yesterday (11), Secretary to the Ministry D.P. Wickremasinghe stated that all relevant officials from the provincial to the district levels have been assigned to support and oversee the census. According to him, district and provincial agricultural directors, along with agricultural research officers from the Agriculture Department, will also be involved in the programme. 

Wickremasinghe mentioned that four officers from each of the District Secretariats have been deployed, along with additional officers assigned to public and religious places. He emphasised that public support is essential for the proper execution of the programme, and that State officials have been deployed to ensure its success and to assist the public. 

He also stated that the data collected during this census will be crucial for making decisions related to agriculture, noting that the officers are participating in the programme voluntarily, with minimal public funds being used.

The census is set for 15 March, during which farmers will be given five minutes to count the monkeys on their properties. Many parties, including farmers, have questioned the practicality of the proposed census, while some have highlighted the importance of gathering rough data on the monkeys that cause crop damage.