The Ceylon Chamber of Coconut Industries (CCCI) has called on the government to expedite the approval process for importing 200 million coconuts to address an escalating dual crisis of domestic supply and export demands.
At a press conference held yesterday in Colombo, CCCI President Jayantha Samarakoon highlighted the urgency of the situation, warning of severe consequences for both local consumers and the coconut export sector. The current shortage has led to unprecedented price hikes, with coconuts being sold at around Rs. 200 per nut, creating challenges for households and exporters alike.
Samarakoon expressed concern over delays in the import authorization process, which involves coordination between several ministries and government departments. “The slow progress in implementing this proposal is aggravating the supply chain issues, further destabilizing the market,” he said.
The crisis has significant implications for Sri Lanka’s coconut industry. On the domestic front, households are facing affordability challenges as prices soar. Meanwhile, exporters are struggling to meet demand, jeopardizing their ability to fulfill international contracts and sustain their operations.
CCCI emphasized the need for immediate government intervention to ensure that the import plan is executed swiftly. “This crisis threatens thousands of livelihoods tied to the coconut industry. We urge the authorities to act decisively to stabilize the market and restore normalcy,” Samarakoon added.
The proposal to import 200 million coconuts is seen as a critical measure to alleviate the current shortage and stabilize both local and export markets. However, delays in authorization risk compounding the challenges already faced by the industry and consumers.
