How to become a member

Invitation to Apply for Membership

Coconut Growers' Association, which was started by a few members in 1994 has now grown to be a strong organization with the present (October 2016) membership reaching 1,500 is a strong vibrant body in the Coconut State Holder Sector. The Association is also a member of the National Chamber of Commerce. Further, the Association has received the certificate of incorporation under the Companies Act No. 17 of 1982 with limited liability status and is entitled to be named "The Coconut Growers' Association of Sri Lanka".

Over the years it had gained recognition, and now plays a dominant role in the activities of the Coconut Industry safeguarding the interest of the Coconut Grower, as described below.

• Participation in the meeting held with HE President, Prime Minister, Minister of Finance Minister of Plantation Industries, Minister of Agriculture.
• Participation in the meetings held by the Coconut Development Authority, Coconut Cultivation Board, Coconut Research Institute, Department of Minor Export on Matters that concern the Coconut Industry.
• Nominated members of the Association serve as resource persons at the seminars and symposiums held in connection with the Coconut Industry, and also serve in the Research Committee meetings conducted by the Coconut Research Board.
• Nominated members of the Association serve as members of the Wages Board for the Coconut Growing Trade.
• Nominated members of the Association serve member in the Coconut Research Board; Coconut Cultivation Board and Coconut Development Authority.
• Making strong representations to the Government to ban import of fresh Coconuts and maintain required import duty on Palm Oil to make the Coconut Growing Industry viable.
• The Association organizes Workshops and field day activities, with the assistance of Coconut Research Board aimed at enhancing productivity of Coconut lands.
• Nominated member in Board of National Institute of Plantation Management.
• Nominated member in the National Agri Business Council.
• Nominated member in the Planters Association of Ceylon.

It is now recognized as a major player espousing the interests of the Coconut Growers when Government Authorities hold discussions in respect to imports Duty Structure where the Associations of D.C. Millers, Coconut Oil Millers, Coconut products Exporters Association put forward their demands. Maintaining required Tariff harries on the import of Palm Oil is a key issue to safeguard the farm gate price of coconuts.

Coconut Growing is no longer lucrative as assumed by those not connected with Coconut growing. The Association by their submissions has made those in power to be conscious of this. The Association played a major role during the recent crisis in the producer price by providing data and facts, canvassing the support of those who matter, which resulted in the imposition of exceedingly high duty on imports of edible oil and generated the recovery of the producer prices. At the Wages Board for Coconut growing trade, the Association had been instrumental in suspension of the system where the salary of watcher /Caretaker was revised every month, and for every point rise in the Cost-of-living Index Rupees two was added. The Association also moved to get a fertilizer subsidy for the Grower to obtain subsidized fertilizer.

The producer price of coconut is no longer dictated by supply and demand. It is important for the Coconut Grower to be vigilant and respond immediately and strongly to moves that are canvassed by those in the processing industry, with the sole aim of getting Coconuts at a cheaper price. This cannot be done singly, but through an Association, where the bargaining power depends on our strength, based on our member-ship numbers. Joining the Association also gives the opportunities for the Grower, to exchange views, and share experiences with the other members.

You now have an opportunity to join the Association, which is well established, growing and well-groomed to counter the future challenges. Please fill up the attached application form, get a sponsor to sign it. If it is inconvenient to get a sponsor indicate to us at least one member who knows you, to enable the executive Committee to make contact for reference.

All members are kept informed regarding the activates of the Association with a quarterly Bulletin news in months of September, December, March and June. The Annual General meeting is held on last Saturday of the month of June (Subject to amendments depending on the Chief Guest).

Entrance Fee and Subscription