The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Infrastructure has initiated urgent discussions to introduce a fair minimum price (Floor Price) for coconuts, aimed at protecting farmers while ensuring consumers receive coconuts at fair market rates.

The meeting, chaired by Minister Samantha Vidyaratna recently, focused on stabilizing the industry amid falling global coconut prices that have pressured local purchase rates. 

Officials stressed that immediate measures are needed to safeguard both farmer incomes and market stability.

Minister Vidyaratna highlighted the government’s national target of raising annual coconut production to 4,200 million nuts by 2030 and boosting export earnings from coconut‑based products to USD 1.5 billion. 

He underscored the importance of strengthening local farmers, protecting plantations, reducing production costs, and maintaining price stability to achieve these goals.

The Minister also directed that a broad consultation be convened urgently with the Coconut Cultivation Board, Coconut Development Authority, Coconut Research Institute, farmers, processors, and other stakeholders to take swift decisions on price control and sustainable industry development. (Newswire)

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The “Labour Mission of Determination,” aimed at rebuilding the disaster‑affected Nuwara Eliya District, commenced today (16 Jan), focusing on the Divisional Secretariat divisions of Walapane, Hanguranketha, Mathurata, and Nildandahinna.

Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure Samantha Vidyaratna said in a statement that more than 5,000 volunteers from the Badulla District joined the initiative, contributing their labour, dedication, and compassion.

The inaugural ceremony was held today at the Walapane Youth Corps Grounds, with the programme continuing until January 19.

The event was attended by the Maha Sangha representing various religious groups, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Infrastructure Facilities, Uva Province Governor Attorney Kapila Jayasekara, Deputy Minister of Education Dr. Madhura Seneviratne, Members of Parliament representing Badulla and Nuwara Eliya Districts from the National People’s Power, the Chief Secretary of Uva Province along with provincial ministry secretaries and heads of institutions, as well as the District Secretary of Nuwara Eliya and Divisional Secretaries.

The participation of over 5,000 individuals united by one dream and one determination marked the occasion as a historic moment in the effort to rebuild the affected district. (Newswire)

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Former Governor Rajith Keerthi Tennakoon has filed a defamation case in the Colombo District Court seeking Rs. 100 million in damages for harm caused to his reputation and dignity by what he claims were false, defamatory, and hate‑filled statements made by Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure Samantha Vidyaratna.

The Chairman of Independent Television Network (ITN) and the Independent Television Network have been named as the second defendants in the case.

At a press conference held on 9 January 2025, Minister Vidyaratna alleged that the former Governor had forcibly acquired large tracts of land in the Haldummulla Bogahapelessa Reserve, and described him as a fraud and corrupt individual. 

He further accused Tennakoon of selling land at Rs. 100,000 per acre, seizing 5,482 acres with smugglers, and stealing mango plants, among more than 15 separate allegations.

According to the plaint, the statements and publications made by Minister Vidyaratna were false, defamatory, and malicious, and the allegations were baseless. 

It also states that these remarks were broadcast by the Independent Television Network in its news bulletins and the program Paththaren Eha.

In a statement, former Governor Rajith Keerthi Tennakoon confirmed that he has requested Rs. 100 million in damages for the defamation, along with legal interest on that amount from the date of filing until the date of judgment.

Case details:  Ranjith keerth plaint final (Newswire)

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Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure Samantha Vidyaratna appeared before the Cyber Crimes Division of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) today in connection with online attacks against his child. 

It is reported that Minister Samantha Vidyaratna had filed a complaint regarding a recent statement made by MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake in Parliament, linked to his child.

Following MP Dassanayake’s statement, it is reported that social media posts had been circulated regarding Minister Samantha Vidyaratna’s child. 

As such, Minister Samantha Vidyaratna appeared before the Cyber Crimes Division of the CID to file a complaint in this regard. (Newswire)

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Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure Samantha Vidyaratna says the program titled “Kapruk Saviya: A Steady Strength for the Nation” is being implemented with the expectation of increasing Sri Lanka’s coconut revenue to USD 1,500 million by the year 2030. 

Minister Samantha Vidyaratna said the “Kap Thuru Saviya” project will be launched on 02nd September, coinciding with World Coconut Day. 

He further said that alongside this celebration, a new phase of development will begin in the Northern Coconut Triangle under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, and the launch will take place in Pudukuduirippu.

The minister went on to note that in 2025, 16,000 acres of coconut will be cultivated in the North, developing the Jaffna, Mullaitivu, and Mannar triangle as the Northern Coconut Triangle.

In 2026, another 16,000 acres will be cultivated, and in 2027, 8,000 acres. By 2027, the North will have 50,000 acres of coconut cultivation. Plans are also in place to cultivate 20,000 acres in other regions. Coconut seedlings will be provided under a subsidy scheme at Rs. 150 per plant, he said. 

Minister Samantha Vidyaratna further revealed that as part of the home garden coconut cultivation program, 500,000 seedlings will be distributed, two per household, stating that the aim is to implement coconut cultivation under a targeted policy.

He made the remarks yesterday (25) during a media briefing held at the Government Information Department.

“Although coconut, a major plantation crop, has earned significant export income for the country, in recent times, the harvest has not even been sufficient for domestic consumption. Coconut prices rose, causing hardship for the public. This situation arose due to the lack of proper attention and strategic planning in the coconut cultivation sector. The current government has developed strategic plans for the coconut and other plantation sectors. Accordingly, a five-year strategic plan has been formulated in collaboration with UNIDO for the coconut sector. 

Stating that plans are in place to increase the coconut harvest and revenue by 2030, he revealed that in 2024, the coconut harvest was 2,754 million nuts, while the annual requirement is 3,000 million nuts. 

Pointing out that by 2030, this amount will not be sufficient, he said the plan is to raise the harvest to 4,200 million nuts.

Minister of Plantation and Community Infrastructure Samantha Vidyaratna elaborated further on the steps being taken by the government.

Due to the shortage in 2024, approximately 200 million coconuts had to be imported through cabinet approval to meet industrial and consumption needs.

This results in dollars flowing out of the country. The recent economic crisis affected many industries, including the coconut industry. To revive these sectors, work must be done under a proper plan, hence the five-year strategy.

Last year, the coconut industry earned USD 854 million. The goal is to increase this to USD 1,500 million by 2030. In the past, coconut trees were not properly cared for as the water supply and fertilizer application were inadequate. For the first time, farmers have been provided with subsidized coconut fertilizer.

Discussions with Russia led to the acquisition of MOP fertilizer, which needs to be blended with two other types to convert it into coconut fertilizer. Currently, coconut fertilizer priced at around Rs. 9,500 per bag in the market is being provided at a subsidized rate of Rs. 4,000.

For the past four to five years, even government coconut plantations have not received fertilizer. Unlike other crops, coconut does not yield immediately after fertilization, it takes about one and a half years. Therefore, the current coconut crisis is expected to persist for a while. Plans are in place to provide continuous fertilizer subsidies and ensure proper water supply.

According to the Coconut Research Institute, a side-bearing tree can yield 45–55 nuts. Other countries achieve higher yields. With proper fertilization, irrigation, and pest control, Sri Lankan coconut trees could potentially yield up to 80 nuts.

This special project has been named “Kap Thuru Saviya.” It will be launched on September 2nd, coinciding with World Coconut Day. Alongside this celebration, a new phase of development will begin in the Northern Coconut Triangle. Under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the launch will take place in Pudukuduirippu. In 2025, 16,000 acres of coconut will be cultivated in the North, developing the Jaffna, Mullaitivu, and Mannar triangle as the Northern Coconut Triangle.

In 2026, another 16,000 acres will be cultivated, and in 2027, 8,000 acres. By 2027, the North will have 50,000 acres of coconut cultivation. Plans are also in place to cultivate 20,000 acres in other regions. Coconut seedlings will be provided under a subsidy scheme at Rs. 150 per plant.

As part of the home garden coconut cultivation program, 500,000 seedlings will be distributed, two per household. The aim is to implement coconut cultivation under a targeted policy.

Next year, plantation crops are expected to generate USD 6 billion in revenue. A program to rehabilitate abandoned coconut and rubber estates will begin next year. Steps will also be taken to promote king coconut cultivation within the coconut industry. (Newswire)

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