Ceylon King Coconut Village programme launched to increase production and expand markets

The Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure launched the “Ceylon King Coconut Village” national programme on September 2 at the Mahayaya Estate of the Coconut Cultivation Board in Kurunegala, in conjunction with International Coconut Day. The programme is intended to increase king coconut production and expand international markets for king coconut-based products.

The three-year programme will establish 250 King Coconut Villages islandwide, with 75 villages planned for 2026, 80 for 2027 and 95 for 2028.

Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Dr. Upali Pannilage, addressing the event, said the programme would help increase rural incomes, create employment opportunities and enable Sri Lanka to secure a larger share of the growing global market for coconut water-based products.