January 22, Colombo (LNW): The Ceylon Chamber of Coconut Industries (CCCI), the leading body representing Sri Lanka’s vital coconut sector, has called on the government to urgently approve a proposal to import 200 million coconuts.
This move, the Chamber warns, is critical to preventing an imminent crisis that threatens both domestic consumers and the country’s export industry.
Speaking at an emergency press conference held in Colombo yesterday, CCCI President Jayantha Samarakoon expressed deep concern over the ongoing shortage, which is causing coconut prices to soar to alarming levels, with the cost of a single nut approaching Rs. 200.
The shortage is also severely impacting Sri Lanka’s coconut exports, an important source of revenue for the island nation.
Samarakoon pointed out that the lengthy approval process for the importation of coconuts, which involves several government ministries and departments, has been moving at a frustratingly slow pace.
He emphasised that the lack of swift government intervention is exacerbating the supply chain crisis and leaving little time to avert further disruption.
“This shortage is creating a dual crisis – one that directly affects households struggling with rising prices and another that threatens the livelihoods of thousands of people in the export sector,” Samarakoon said. “Immediate action is needed to secure the importation of coconuts and stabilise the market before the situation becomes even more dire.“
The CCCI’s appeal highlights the urgent need for coordinated action at the highest levels of government to safeguard both local consumers and the country’s valuable coconut export trade.
With coconut-based products being a staple in Sri Lankan diets and a key export commodity, the consequences of inaction could be far-reaching, affecting both the economy and the daily lives of many Sri Lankans.
Industry experts have warned that if the importation process continues to be delayed, the shortage could worsen, further inflating prices and potentially leading to supply shortages across the island.
The Chamber has urged the government to prioritise this issue and take immediate steps to ensure the coconut industry remains stable in both the short and long term.
