by CGASLCritical Field Visit: Assessing Cyclone Ditwah’s Impact on Coconut Farming in Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan coconut farmers do far more than produce coconuts; they manage over one million acres of vital natural ecosystems. Through intercropping, animal husbandry, eco-tourism, and other diversified economic activities, these farms are engines for poverty alleviation and social harmony in our rural heartlands.
However, resilience is being tested. On January 23rd, the Coconut Growers Association of Sri Lanka (CGASL) visited Ridigama, Kurunegala, to assess the aftermath of the recent Ditwah Cyclone.
We were honoured to have key stakeholders on the ground to witness the impact and discuss the path to recovery:
• Mr. Chandrakeerthi, Secretary to the Ministry Of Plantation And Community Infrastructure.
• Mr. Vimlendra Sharan, FAO-UN Representative to Sri Lanka & Maldives, together with FAO Sri Lanka staff.
• CGASL Leadership: Mr. Shakila Wijewardena (VP), Mr. Najith Liyanage (Director/Secretary), and Mr. Caesar Fernando (Chair, Resource Development).
Together with FAO Sri Lanka and the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, we are committed to ensuring our farmer communities bounce back stronger.