Dilani Hirimuthugodage highlights that the coconut sector has significant untapped export potential

The coconut sector contributes nearly 13.1% to agricultural export earnings and 3% to total export earnings in Sri Lanka. However, there is significant untapped market potential for Sri Lanka’s exports of kernel and non-kernel coconut products in several countries. IPS Research Economist Dilani Hirimuthugodage made these remarks at the Inception Workshop of the project Developing a Roadmap and Strategic Plan for Sri Lanka’s Coconut Sector at Dr Saman Kelegama Auditorium, IPS. She also reviewed the current status of the coconut sector and explained the process of drafting the roadmap and strategic plan.

The IPS organised the Inception Workshop in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) and the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure to inform key stakeholders about the project’s goals and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), as well as to present the proposed methodology. The workshop also aimed to gather expert opinions through group discussions on various strategic initiatives that would help in achieving the identified KPIs. The workshop was attended by key stakeholders of the coconut sector, including policymakers, government officials, association members, donors, and private sector representatives.

Mr. Sampath Senanayake, UNIDO’s National Agribusiness Specialist, made the welcome remarks, while Dr Jairo A. Villamil-Diaz, UNIDO’s Head of Country Programme, opened the workshop, detailing its aims and the stakeholders’ role in developing the roadmap and strategic plan. The event’s Chief Guest, Mr. Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Secretary, Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure, emphasised the economic importance of the coconut sector and the need for a well-structured roadmap and strategic plan aligned with the government’s policy framework, “A Thriving Nation: A Beautiful Life.” The other prominent speakers were Dr Johann Hesse, Head of Cooperation at the European Union Delegation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, and Mr. Jayantha Samarakoon, President of the Ceylon Chamber of Coconut Industries (CCCI).

IPS Research Fellow Dr Manoj Thibbotuwawa, facilitated the group discussion with assistance from IPS Research Assistants Mr. Chandula Idirisinghe and Ms. Nishamini Ihalagedara, and IPS Project Officer Ms. Malithi Ama. IPS Research Fellow, Dr Erandathi Pathiraja concluded the programme by summarising the important lessons.