News Today: Coconut Shortage Crisis, PM Dr. Harini Amarasuriya Addresses

Colombo, Sri Lanka – Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya addressed in Parliament yesterday, stating that the ongoing coconut shortage crisis is a result of poor policies by previous governments. She emphasized that no administration had implemented a comprehensive plan to develop coconut cultivation, leading to the current shortfall in production.

Dr. Amarasuriya assured the public that the current government is actively working on a long-term strategy to address the crisis. Several short-term programs have already been launched to stabilize coconut production, and the upcoming Budget has allocated increased funding to boost the industry.

She further stated that institutions under the Plantations and Community Infrastructure Ministry are taking several measures to prevent future shortages. These include:
✅ Conducting tests to improve high-yield coconut varieties
✅ Identifying the best agricultural practices for coconut farming
✅ Providing technical advice to combat pests and diseases
✅ Proposing new policies to strengthen the coconut sector

With these strategic moves, the government aims to ensure that Sri Lanka achieves self-sufficiency in coconut production, preventing any future crises.