The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the proposal submitted by the Minister of Plantation to import coconut kernel for the local coconut kernel-related industries under the same conditions applicable at the previous instance if the bi - monthly coconut production is continuously below the margin of 400 million coconuts within 04 months, the state information office said.

Cabinet approval was given on 12 December 2017 for the import of coconut kernel subject to certain conditions as a result of local coconut production supply being insufficient for industries related to coconut kernel. Accordingly, 2,542 metric tons of coconut kernels were imported to Sri Lanka during a period of 08 months.

Meanwhile, it has been estimated a shortage of 250 million coconuts for the year 2021.

Therefore, the Cabinet of Ministers has granted consent to take necessary measures for importing coconut kernel for the local coconut kernel-related industries, if the bi-monthly coconut production is continuously below the margin of 400 million coconuts within 04 months.