The European Union (EU), through the UNIDO-led BESPA-FOOD initiative, is backing Sri Lanka’s coconut industry in implementing a 10-year strategic roadmap to transform it into a $2 billion export powerhouse.
This ambitious plan is being developed in collaboration with key industry stakeholders, including the Coconut Development Authority (CDA), the Coconut Research Institute (CRI), the Coconut Cultivation Board (CCB), and the newly formed Ceylon Chamber of Coconut Industries (CCCI).
To kickstart the initiative, the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure recently organized a workshop that brought together public and private sector representatives.
A select committee, chaired by the Ministry Secretary, will convene in mid-February to assess the workshop’s findings and formulate the next steps for executing the roadmap.
Ministry Secretary Prabath Chandrakeerthi emphasized that Sri Lanka’s coconut industry stands at a pivotal juncture. While production and supply challenges persist, the roadmap will offer a structured strategy to enhance global competitiveness and long-term sustainability.
The BESPA-FOOD project, funded by the EU, is set to provide technical expertise and solutions to address critical issues such as low productivity, value addition, and quality improvements.
Dr. Johann Hesse, Head of Cooperation at the Delegation of the European Union to Sri Lanka, reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to fostering sustainable economic growth through initiatives like BESPA-FOOD.
He highlighted that clear, actionable steps are necessary to enhance productivity, improve quality standards, and empower rural communities involved in coconut farming.
The Institute of Policy Studies (IPS) is leading the formulation of the strategic roadmap, incorporating insights from industry stakeholders to address market challenges and build resilience.
The plan will focus on boosting domestic production, optimizing supply chains, and increasing value addition to meet international demand.
Formation of the Ceylon Chamber of Coconut Industries
A significant milestone for the sector was the recent establishment of the Ceylon Chamber of Coconut Industries (CCCI).
Officially launched on August 29, 2024, at the National Chamber of Commerce of Sri Lanka, the CCCI aims to unite key industry players to drive sustainable growth, foster innovation, and enhance global market access for Sri Lankan coconut products.
Sri Lanka’s coconut industry currently generates over $800 million in annual export revenue, with aspirations to reach $1.5 billion. The CCCI, the first organization of its kind in the country, seeks to elevate product quality and global competitiveness through collaboration across industry sectors.
This initiative has been facilitated by UNIDO under the EU-funded BESPA-FOOD project, along with Ernst & Young.
Ranil De Saram, Senior Partner at Ernst & Young and the first General Secretary of CCCI, described the chamber as a platform to unify the industry, drive innovation, and advocate for policies supporting sustainable growth.
Meanwhile, Dr. Jairo Villamil Diaz from UNIDO stressed the importance of the chamber in modernizing the sector and enhancing the livelihoods of those involved in the coconut value chain.
The CCCI has received backing from key industry associations, including the Coconut Growers Association, various manufacturers’ associations, and state agencies such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries.
These partnerships aim to drive policy advocacy, promote sustainable farming, and expand market opportunities.Looking forward, the CCCI envisions a thriving coconut industry that ensures national food security, supports rural livelihoods, and strengthens Sri Lanka’s position in the global coconut market.
By focusing on sustainability, value addition, and technology adoption, the chamber seeks to lead Sri Lanka’s coconut industry into a prosperous future
