A significant milestone was achieved by the Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka, with the first official international release of a locally isolated biological control agent in the Maldives.

A Sri Lankan delegation comprising Director General of Agriculture, Dr. Thushara Wickramaarachchi, Principal Agriculture Scientist, Dr. K.M.D.W.P. Prabath Nishantha, and Mr. Isuru Dissanayake visited the Maldives for the official introduction and release of the parasitoid Encarsia guadeloupae for the biological control of the rugose spiralling whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus, a serious pest of coconut.

The parasitoids were officially released on Maafahi Island, where coconut is cultivated extensively. Field observations and technical discussions were also conducted to assess the whitefly infestation and to establish the basis for monitoring the establishment, spread and effectiveness of the parasitoid following its release.

This achievement is particularly important as it represents the first occasion on which a locally isolated parasitoid developed through the Sri Lankan Department of Agriculture’s biological control programme has been officially introduced to another country for pest management. It demonstrates the growing potential of Sri Lankan expertise and locally developed biological control technologies to contribute beyond our national boundaries.

During the visit, productive discussions were also held with the Sri Lankan Ambassador to the Maldives, Mr. Hussain, and relevant Maldivian counterparts on opportunities for broader cooperation in agriculture. Discussions highlighted the potential for future collaboration in biological pest management, sustainable crop production, protected agriculture, technical capacity building, exchange of expertise and other areas of agricultural development.

This successful initiative marks an important step towards strengthening Sri Lanka–Maldives agricultural cooperation and provides international recognition for the scientific and technical capabilities of the Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka, particularly in environmentally sustainable biological pest management.

A proud achievement for Sri Lankan agricultural research and biological control — taking locally developed technology from Sri Lanka to serve agriculture beyond our shores.