For the first time in Sri Lanka’s history, export earnings from coconut and coconut-based products have surpassed the landmark USD 1 billion threshold. According to the Export Development Board (EDB), revenue reached USD 1,033.9 million during the period from January to October 2025, representing an impressive 43.83 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024.
A major driver behind this historic achievement has been the strategic shift away from exporting raw coconuts towards high-value, value-added products. Global demand has grown significantly for specialized Sri Lankan coconut-based exports such as liquid coconut milk, virgin coconut oil, coconut cream, desiccated coconut, activated carbon, and coco peat. Collectively, these industries now account for 7.2 percent of Sri Lanka’s total export earnings.
This milestone reflects the collective commitment of coconut industry stakeholders, supported by the coordinated leadership of the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure and the Ministry of Industry and Entrepreneurship Development. The government also emphasized the vital role played by the general public, whose cooperation in reducing domestic coconut waste ensured greater availability for export, a move described as a “scientific necessity” to sustain export growth.
Building on this success, the government has set an ambitious target of achieving USD 2.5 billion in coconut export revenue by 2030. Several key initiatives have been introduced to ensure sustainable expansion. These include the development of the “Northern Coconut Triangle” as part of a plan to establish 36,000 new acres of coconut cultivation, promoting efficient household use of coconut by-products such as water, shells, and husks, encouraging alternatives like coconut flour, and implementing timely policy measures. Notably, a controlled policy allowing the import of coconut milk and raw coconuts exclusively for re-export helped maintain export momentum while preventing shortages in the domestic market.
Commenting on the achievement, Deputy Minister of Industries and Entrepreneurship Development Chathuranga Abeysinghe reflected on his call to action in January 2025, urging the nation to optimize consumption and minimize waste to reach this historic goal. He expressed sincere appreciation to the media and the public for amplifying the “coconut story,” noting that widespread awareness and responsible consumption played a decisive role in achieving this record-breaking export performance.