Sri Lanka’s coconut industry is set to expand under a European Union-backed 10-year strategic plan aimed at reaching a USD 2 billion dollar export target.
The European Union (EU), through the UNIDO-implemented BESPA-FOOD project, is
supporting Sri Lanka’s coconut industry in implementing a comprehensive ten-year strategic
plan and a roadmap aimed at transforming the sector into a USD 2 billion export powerhouse.
The Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure recently convened key public and
private sector stakeholders, including the Coconut Development Authority (CDA), Coconut
Research Institute (CRI), the Coconut Cultivation Board (CCB), and the Ceylon Chamber of
Coconut Industries (CCCI), for an inception workshop to chart the way forward.
To ensure rapid progress, a select committee comprising key public and private sector
representatives, chaired by the Secretary of the Ministry, will meet in mid-February to review
the workshop’s input and formulate the next steps, including the development of the
roadmap.
“Sri Lanka’s coconut industry is at a crucial juncture. While we face immediate challenges in
production and supply, this roadmap provides a structured approach to ensure our sector’s
global competitiveness and sustainability,” stated the Secretary to the Ministry of Plantation
and Community Infrastructure, Mr. Prabath Chandrakeerthi.
The EU-funded BESPA-FOOD Project is providing vital technical expertise and support to
tackle challenges such as productivity constraints, value addition, and quality
enhancements.
Dr. Johann Hesse, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Unionto Sri
Lanka, emphasized the EU’s commitment to fostering sustainable economic development
through innovation and partnerships like BESPA-FOOD. He stated that “clear, actionable
steps are essential for boosting productivity, improving quality, and empowering rural
communities.”
The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS), tasked with formulating the roadmap, will incorporate
input from the industry stakeholders to address current market pressures while building long-
term resilience. The plan will specifically focus on strengthening domestic production,
improving supply chain efficiency and value addition, and enhancing the industry’s ability to
meet growing international demand. (Newswire)