The Ceylon Chamber of Coconut Industries has urged the government for permission to import 200 million coconuts with the next few months.

President of the Ceylon Chamber of Coconut Industries Jayantha Samarakoon said that the major reason for the current coconut shortage is the spike in fertilizer prices.

Speaking at a media briefing held at the National Chamber of Commerce Auditorium yesterday (21), he mentioned that the coconut imports are essential at this time to counter a severe shortage that threatens both domestic supply and export revenue.

Samarakoon attributed the coconut shortfall to skyrocketing fertilizer prices, which have discouraged growers from adequately nourishing coconut crops. He warned that if coconut stocks needed for the coconut-based export industry are not imported immediately, Sri Lanka could lose approximately USD 1 billion in revenue.

He further highlighted that the country’s monthly coconut demand stands at 250 million nuts, of which 150 million are consumed domestically while 100 million are utilized by the industrial sector. However, production has failed to keep pace.

Sri Lanka’s annual coconut yield, which previously averaged 3 billion nuts, dropped to 2.68 billion nuts last year. The Coconut Research Institute has forecast a further decline this year, with production estimated to fall to between 2.4 and 2.6 billion nuts. The institute also predicts a shortfall of 200 million coconuts between January and April 2025, exacerbating the crisis.

In response, the Chamber has proposed importing alternative coconut products such as coconut milk, coconut kernel, dried coconut kernel, or peeled coconuts to bridge the deficit.

Additionally, Samarakoon noted that a steep increase in fertilizer costs—from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 12,000 per 50 kg bag—has resulted in reducing the growers using fertilizer to less than 10%, further worsening the production slump. 

The Chamber has requested that the government provide fertilizer at a subsidized price of Rs. 4,000 per bag and expressed optimism that the upcoming budget will address this issue.

The Chamber also urged the government to introduce subsidies for water supply and soil conservation, which are critical to sustaining coconut cultivation.

(Adaderana)
(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by adaderanahas not been edited by SLM staff)

The Paddy Marketing Board says that a committee has been appointed for the amendment of the certified price of rice.

Its chairman, Manjula Pinnalanda says that the committee comprises representatives from several institutions, including the
Hector Kobbekaduwa Agrarian Research and Training Institute and the Institute of Post Harvest Technology.

This committee is set to conduct a review of the application prices used for paddy cultivation.

The Paddy Marketing Board says that subsequently, the certified price of rice at which stocks will be purchased this season will be decided through this committee.

During the previous Yala season, the certified price for Nadu rice was Rs. 105 per kilogram, Samba rice was Rs. 115 per kilogram, and Keeri Samba rice was Rs. 130 per kilogram.

Meanwhile, the Paddy Marketing Board also says that storage facilities for the Maha season’s harvest, have already been prepared.

It was also announced that the purchase of stocks of harvest for the Maha season is scheduled to commence next month.

(News1st)
(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by News1st has not been edited by SLM staff)

It is better for former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to leave his residence before he is asked to do so, Cabinet spokesman Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said today (Jan. 21).

Speaking at the weekly Cabinet briefing, Dr. Jayatissa stated that the people have given a mandate to the government to abolish privileges of politicians and ease the politicians’ burden on the people.

He explained that according to the provisions of the Presidents’ Entitlements Act, former Presidents or their widows are entitled to one-third of their salary.

“Although Mr. Rajapaksa was not in the Parliament that passed this Act, he had been in several governments and therefore, should understand its provisions… If he understands this, it is better for him to leave on his own accord without waiting until he is told to vacate the residence,” he said.