Sri Lanka on Wednesday (03) launched the “Ceylon King Coconut Village” national program, a major initiative aimed at transforming the country into a global hub for coconut exports.
The launch took place at the Mahayaya Estate of the Coconut Cultivation Board in Kurunegala District under the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure.
The program’s core objective is to establish 250 coconut villages across the island within three years, 75 villages in 2026, 80 in 2027, and 95 in 2028.
Plans include planting 212,500 new seedlings, rehabilitating 221,500 existing trees, and developing one small processing facility per village. Through these measures, about 21,250 farmers are expected to be empowered, supported by a structured data and trade system linking growers, collectors, and exporters.
By 2030, the initiative aims to boost the annual coconut harvest by 25 million nuts and raise export earnings from coconuts and related products to over USD 12 million.
Beyond cultivation, the program seeks to strengthen rural household incomes by creating new jobs in collection, transport, processing, and export, making rural communities direct partners in national economic growth.
For 2026, 75 villages are planned, each with 500–1,000 coconut trees. A budget of Rs. 405 million has been allocated, with Rs. 700 in financial support per tree for fertilizer and inputs for 20,300 existing trees. Additionally, 37,500 seedlings will be distributed to farmers at a concessionary price of Rs. 150 each.
At the launch, farmers received subsidy cheques, coconut and palm seedlings, pest‑control materials, and agricultural machinery. Certificates were also scheduled to be awarded to farmers and exporters. More than 600 farmers from Kurunegala and Gampaha districts attended the event.
The program is being implemented with the support of the Coconut Cultivation Board, the Coconut Development Authority, and other sector institutions, with regional participation expected in establishing villages. (Newswire)
