by CGASLCGASL Marks 32nd AGM with a Vision for a Resilient Coconut Industry
The Coconut Growers’ Association of Sri Lanka (CGASL) successfully held its 32nd Annual General Meeting and Technical Sessions on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the Main Auditorium of the Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute.
Held under the theme “Beyond the Nut – More than a Crop, a World of Opportunity,” the event highlighted the vast potential of the coconut palm as an integrated and climate-resilient production system. The theme underscored the urgent need to look beyond traditional nut and oil trade to unlock the sector’s wider economic, environmental, and social value.
Mr. Gunadasa Samarasinghe, Secretary, Ministry of Plantation & Community Infrastructure, attended as Chief Guest, while Dr. Samantha Ratnayake, Senior Lecturer at the Postgraduate Institute of Management, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, delivered the keynote address.
Key Highlights and Industry Priorities:
• Government Outlook: Chief Guest Mr. Gunadasa Samarasinghe (Secretary, Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure) outlined several priorities for the Ministry, including expanding access to fertiliser, strengthening pest and disease management, accelerating replanting, and addressing the growing challenge of land fragmentation. He also drew attention to the ageing of Sri Lanka’s coconut plantations, noting that nearly 20% of the country’s coconut palms are now senile, compared with a healthy benchmark of approximately 5%.
• Global Perspective: Keynote message from Dr. Jelfina C. Alouw (Director General, International Coconut Community) reinforced the broader vision behind this year’s theme. Congratulating CGASL on the milestone, she emphasised that the future of the coconut industry depends on maximising value across the entire coconut ecosystem, not only from the nut, but also from the husk, shell, fibre, timber, sap, leaves, and biomass. Dr. Alouw also highlighted the declining productivity experienced by many coconut-producing countries, attributing the challenge to ageing palms, inadequate replanting, labour shortages, and the increasing impacts of climate change. Her message underscored the importance of innovation, resource efficiency, and resilience in securing the future of the global coconut industry.
• Reflecting on 2025/26: Outgoing President Mr. Cryshantha Jayawardhana who concluded his three-year tenure, reflected on the challenges faced by coconut growers during 2025/26. The year was marked by the impacts of Cyclone Ditwah, volatile farm-gate prices, rising input costs, labour shortages, pest pressures, and concerns over the integrity and reputation of Ceylon Coconut. He also expressed his appreciation to the Board of Directors, regional branches, and members for their commitment and support throughout his tenure.
As CGASL looks ahead, the discussions at the 32nd Annual General Meeting reinforced a clear message: the future of Sri Lanka’s coconut industry will depend not only on increasing production, but also on improving productivity, strengthening resilience, creating greater value from the entire coconut ecosystem, and ensuring sustainable livelihoods for growers and rural communities.
Join the Movement
CGASL invites coconut growers and industry stakeholders to become members and contribute to strengthening the collective voice of Sri Lanka’s coconut-growing community.
Apply online: https://www.cgasl.lk/membership/
Email: secretariat@cgasl.lk
WhatsApp/Tel: 074 374 3183