August 31, Colombo (LNW): The Ceylon Chamber of Coconut Industries (CCCI) has been officially launched, signifying a significant development in Sri Lanka’s coconut industry.
The inaugural meeting took place on August 29, 2024, at the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, bringing together key stakeholders to emphasize the importance of this new organization in driving sustainable growth, innovation, and global market expansion.
As the first of its kind in Sri Lanka, the CCCI is set to tap into the extensive potential of the coconut industry, which is a major contributor to the economy with annual export earnings surpassing USD 800 million.
The chamber aims to foster collaboration across all sectors within the industry, with an ambitious goal of increasing export revenues to USD 1.5 billion by enhancing the quality and global competitiveness of Sri Lankan coconut products.
The establishment of the CCCI was made possible through the support of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and Ernst & Young, under the European Union-funded BESPA-FOOD project. This partnership is expected to propel Sri Lanka’s coconut industry to unprecedented global success.
Ranil De Saram, Senior Partner at Ernst & Young and the first General Secretary of the CCCI, described the chamber’s formation as a new chapter for the coconut industry in Sri Lanka. He highlighted the chamber’s mission to unite the industry, promote innovation, and advocate for policies that support sustainable development.
The CCCI will serve as the collective voice for the industry, ensuring alignment among all stakeholders in their pursuit of excellence.
The coconut industry is a vital part of rural Sri Lanka, covering around 455,000 hectares and providing livelihoods to nearly one million people. The CCCI’s focus will be on improving the industry’s competitiveness through strategic planning, market expansion, and research-driven innovation.
By promoting sustainable practices and supporting product diversification, the chamber aims to position Sri Lanka as a global leader in coconut production.
Dr. Jairo Villamil Diaz, Senior International Technical Specialist at UNIDO, emphasized the importance of the CCCI in unlocking the full potential of Sri Lanka’s coconut industry. He noted that the CCCI, supported by the BESPA-FOOD project, is poised to transform the industry into a future-focused sector that will enhance the lives and incomes of all stakeholders within the coconut value chain.
The CCCI has garnered support from eight founding member associations, all dedicated to advancing Sri Lanka’s coconut industry. These associations, along with key state sector partners like the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries and the Coconut Development Authority, are committed to advocating for coherent policies and ensuring the long-term sustainability of coconut farming in Sri Lanka.
