Colombo: Sri Lanka’s cabinet has given the green light for the importation of coconut kernels and dried coconut pieces with non-copra husks, equivalent to 200 million coconuts, to bolster coconut oil production. This decision comes as a response to the declining domestic coconut production that has adversely affected industries dependent on coconuts as a primary raw material.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the government information department released a statement on Wednesday detailing the cabinet’s approval. The statement highlighted that the insufficient domestic supply necessitated this move to support the coconut industry.
The responsibility for overseeing the import process has been entrusted to secretaries from the Ministries of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development and Plantation and Community Infrastructure. This measure aims to ensure a smooth importation process in line with the cabinet’s decision.
Additionally, relevant departments have collaboratively developed guidelines for importing various coconut products, including chilled coconut kernels, dried coconut pieces with husks, coconut milk, coconut milk powder, and desiccated coconut, to streamline the importation process and meet the industry’s needs effectively.
