“When we can collectively eradicate invisible pathogens such as dengue, why have the relevant departments been unable to eliminate the visible plant, Parthenium, for so long?” questioned the Hon. Governor of the Northern Province, N. Vethanayahan, urging the authorities to take appropriate and immediate measures to eradicate the deadly poisonous plant.
A discussion on implementing a special program to eradicate Parthenium, which is emerging as a persistent and difficult-to-control weed in the Northern Province, was held this morning – on Tuesday, 17 Marxch 2026, at the Governor’s Secretariat under the chairmanship of the Hon. Governor.
The discussion reviewed in detail the progress of the projects implemented in previous years to eradicate Parthenium, as well as the new initiatives planned for the current year. Furthermore, attention was given to how the administrative structures of both the central and provincial governments can work together effectively to implement this program.
The Governor, making special remarks on the occasion, stated:
“Only if the laws related to the eradication of Parthenium are properly implemented will everyone come forward to remove it. At present, the implementation of the law stops at the first and second steps—namely the issuance of yellow notices. Initially, the locations where Parthenium is found must be identified and the relevant landowners informed. Thereafter, legal measures such as issuing yellow notices and red notices must be carried out continuously. Only then will the public become aware of its serious consequences and the importance of eradicating it.”
He further stated:
“Parthenium is a highly dangerous and poisonous plant that must be identified and eradicated continuously. If it is neglected after being removed once, it will quickly grow again in the same place, as its roots and seeds are extremely resilient. Once Parthenium begins to grow, it can be easily controlled if it is destroyed before it produces seeds. Otherwise, the seeds will disperse and spread rapidly, leading to the growth of new weeds in nearby areas. Therefore, Parthenium can be completely eradicated only through intensive monitoring and continuous removal over two to three consecutive years,” he emphasized.
At the discussion, it was decided to conduct awareness activities on the eradication of Parthenium for one week every three months. It was also agreed to observe Parthenium Eradication Week during the last week of April and, accordingly, to hold preparatory meetings with the participation of provincial departments at the district and divisional secretariat levels.
The discussion was attended by the Chief Secretary of the Northern Province, the Secretary to the Governor, the Secretary to the Provincial Ministry of Agriculture, the Secretary to the Provincial Ministry of Local Government, the Additional District Secretary of the Jaffna District, the Director of the Provincial Department of Agriculture, the Deputy Inspector General of Police for the Jaffna District, the Security Forces Commander of the Jaffna District, the Navy Commander for the Jaffna District, and many other senior officials.
