Coconut Grower’s Association of Sri Lanka

Objectives

To promote, foster and protect the Coconut growing industry of Sri Lanka


To promote, foster and protect the members of the Association in Coconut farming, related subsidiary farming and agro-industrial activities


To enhance customer satisfaction of Coconut crops and products in general and those of members of the Association in particular and thereby increase the worth of such crops and products to the customer


To enhance the safety and security of the Coconut growing industry in general and from criminality and from natural and man made calamities and disaster


To safeguard the encompassing natural and social environment of the coconut growing industry


To provide Coconut growing industry in general and the members in particular with a forum for the sharing of their experiences, exchanging of views and ideas and the dissemination of information


To Organize the coconut Growing industry in general and the members in particular for mutual support

Some past Activities

1. Made representations to relevant Government Ministries and Introduction to safeguard the Coconut industry during the various direct and indirect threats such as flooding the country with low quality injurious palm oil with duty reduction resulting in the death of Coconut industry

2. Continuous lobbying to withdraw the additional cess of Rs 1/= per kg of desiccated Coconut.

3. Conducted several Seminars and workshops with collaboration of Coconut Research Institute, Coconut Cultivation Board and Private Companies involved in fertilizer, agro-chemicals agro machinery / Implementation etc

4. Contribute by way of suggestions recommendations to formulate the policies long / short term to Coconut Research Institute and Coconut Cultivation Board for the development of the industry \

5. Conduct promotional programmes for value addition and to minimize the wastage of domestically consumed Coconuts estimated around 20%

6. Encourage growers to venture into Organic growing and products such as virgin Coconut Oil which contains high medicinal value

7. Introduce growers resort to organic fertilizer to contain the ill effects of inorganic fertilizer for long term National Interest

8. Interaction with Law enforcement authorities to promote a better understanding with Police stations and Growers to minimize conflicts created by thieves miscreants

Current (2006/2007) Executive Committee

President Mr Nimal Samarkkody (011-2911850)

Secretary Mr Parakrama Jayatilake (0312255100)

Treasurer Mrs Irani Peris (0112932556)

Vice President Mr Palitha de Silva(0112869762)

Asst. Secretary Mr Anton Fernando(0112693763)

Asst. Treasurer Mr Nissanka de Mel

Past President Messrs. Ranjith Dias. Denzil Aponso, Harendra Abeysekera

Committee Member Arjun Deraniyagala, Lalith Godamunne, Nimal Hendheera, Nihara Rodrigo, Rajindra Rodrigo, J.C Madwela, R.F Joseph, Shantha Dissanayake, N Rodrigo Jayasena