A study of pesticide use among a population of chili growers in eight units of Ellewewa block, located in System B of NE Sri Lanka, showed that use is aggregated among units, and that pesticide quantity per farmer is not normally distributed. Random sample surveys to determine pesticide use therefore, might account for the misconception by the Department of Agriculture (DOA) in Sri Lanka that chili growers use pesticides in excess of DOA recommendations. Use-frequency and quantity are within limits set by the DOA, but are excessive when evaluated by pesticide effect on pest and disease intensities and on chili yield. Pesticides applied by chili growers in System B seldom affect pest populations and do not reduce disease intensity; yet chili can be infested by many insect pests and diseases. Only imidacloprid and sulfur reduced insect pest populations (aphids and thrips) significantly, but these reductions were not accompanied by increased yield. Heavy and frequent rainfall in wet seasons compromise pesticide efficacy; whereas, in dry seasons the selection of monocrotophos and profenofos as pesticides of choice mitigate against effective management for thrips, the dominant dry season insect pest. Chili growers avoid wearing safety clothing during pesticide application. Masks were worn more frequently (3.5% of applications) than gloves and boots.