The 31st Annual General Meeting and Technical Sessions of the Coconut Growers’ Association of Sri Lanka were held at the Mahinda Silva Auditorium, Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research & Training Institute, 114 Wijerama Mawatha, Colombo 7, on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at 9:00 AM.

The theme, “Protect Ceylon Coconut Before It’s Too Late,” which underscores the urgent need to preserve our heritage crop for both local consumption and export, was highlighted at the event.

Mr. B. K. Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Secretary, Ministry of Plantation & Infrastructure Development, was the Chief Guest, and the Guest Speakers were Prof. J. C. Edirisinghe, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture & Plantation Management, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka, and Prof. Ajith Jayaweera, Chairman, Coconut Research Institute.

Mr. Chandrakeerthi stated in his message, “I am confident that through our collective efforts and the dedication of associations like CGASL, we can transform challenges into opportunities and ensure that Ceylon coconut remains a source of pride and prosperity for our nation.”

While extending her heartfelt congratulations to the Coconut Growers’ Association of Sri Lanka in her message, Dr. Jelfina C. Alouw, Executive Director, International Coconut Community, raised concerns on the future of the local coconut industry.

“Despite an increase in global demand for coconut-based products, driven by rising interest in health-conscious, plant-based, and sustainable ingredients, Sri Lanka’s coconut sector is grappling with declining yields and production challenges. The years 2024 and 2025 have particularly revealed structural weaknesses, including ageing palms, insufficient replanting, erratic weather patterns, pest and disease pressures, and land-use constraints. These challenges must be met head-on to safeguard the legacy and future of the ‘Ceylon Coconut,’ a name that carries both historical and market value on the international stage.”

Mr. K. S. Wijayakeerthi, Additional Secretary, Coconut and Minor Crops, Ministry of Plantation & Infrastructure Development; Mr. Shantha Ranathunga, Chairman, Coconut Development Authority; along with senior officials of the Coconut Cultivation Board, Coconut Research Institute, and other relevant government institutions, participated.

A large number of members, consisting of individual coconut landowners and plantation companies, input suppliers, and value-added product manufacturers, participated in the event.

During the question-and-answer session, members expressed their concerns about the high cost of fertiliser, labor shortages, and pests and diseases, which makes the plantations unprofitable. Members also expressed their dissatisfaction with the actions of the Coconut Development Authority with regard to the alleged price manipulation at the auction.

We invite all passionate coconut growers to join the Coconut Growers’ Association of Sri Lanka to strengthen the voice of the coconut farmers and rural communities. Please visit our website www.cgasl.lk and download the membership application form or submit the online application.

You could email your request to secretariat@cgasl.lk or call/WhatsApp Ms. Didulani Tharika, Executive Officer, Coconut Growers’ Association of Sri Lanka on +94 74 374 3183.