The One Stop Business Centre of the Coconut Development Authority was opened at Duke Street, Colombo recently by Hon. (Dr.) Ramesh Pathirana, Minister of Plantation Industries along with Hon. Lohan Ratwatte, State Minister of Plantation Industries.
Commenting on this, the Minister of Plantation Industries indicated that the coconut-related industrial export income had been expected to exceed One billion Dollars by 2025-2026. It was further stated that the Ministry of Plantation Industries has taken some important decisions during the past three years for the development of the coconut industry, that the Coconut tree which had not been included in the Felling of Trees Act was included in the said Act, and that, some requests were permitted through the Fragmentation Board for fragmentation of lands only on essential reasons.

Further commenting, the Minister mentioned that despite the decrease in placing orders during the final quarter of last year along with the global market conditions, the coconut-related exporters have achieved an aim of beyond US$ 800 million and that, by now, compared to tea, demand on coconut related products especially coconut flour, milk, water, and king coconut has gradually increased. It was also mentioned that at this moment it would be possible to have a positive look over the coconut industry, that we would be able to gain an export income of Dollar one billion in the near future which would then be expected to double and that, the Ministry has been dedicated to making necessary arrangement to promote coconut cultivation in all provinces island-wide.

It is expected to facilitate a total group of more than 3000 including 2000 registered and involved in the coconut industry that generated an annual export income of US$ 820 million and those who are willing to join this field, through one single place. For this, a 24*7 Customer Care Centre, Call Centre, Media Unit, IT Unit, Marketing Intelligence Unit, and many more Sections are operated through this new Centre.
This occasion was graced by Mr. Janaka Dharmakeerthi, Secretary, Ministry of Plantation Industries, Mr. Chaminda Pathiraja, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Industries, Prof. Roshan Perera, Chairman, Coconut Development Authority and some elites including entrepreneurs in the coconut export field.