For Sri Lankans, the coconut isn’t just a fruit. Revered as the ‘Tree of Life’, it is central to our diets, traditions, and industries. But today, that legacy hangs by a thread, with coconuts teetering on the brink of scarcity.
The country is in the throes of an unprecedented coconut shortage, and its ramifications are being felt at every level of society – from households struggling to afford their daily staples to exporters fighting to meet global demand.
According to the Ceylon Chamber of Coconut Industries (CCCI), Sri Lanka requires approximately 250 million coconuts every month to meet domestic and export needs. Of this, 150 million are consumed locally, while the remaining 100 million sustain the export industry, which earned a record $ 782 million by November 2024. Yet, despite this vital contribution, coconut yields have plummeted.
Data from the Coconut Research Institute (CRI) shows a drastic reduction of over 700 million coconuts between 2021 and 2024, with a further shortfall of 200 million predicted in the first quarter of 2025. These numbers, compounded by soaring prices, have sent shockwaves across the nation.
“It’s a dual crisis,” said CCCI President Jayantha Samarakoon. “Households are struggling to afford a staple food, and exporters are grappling with supply chain disruptions that threaten Sri Lanka’s reputation as a reliable global supplier. If we don’t act swiftly, we risk undermining our competitive edge, endangering livelihoods, and destabilising the economy.”
Vendors’ perspectives
At a market in Colombo, under the sweltering midday sun, coconut vendor Bandula Perera wiped his brow and gestured towards his dwindling stock. “Earlier, we sold coconuts for Rs. 70-80 each. Now, it’s Rs. 200 or more, and even at that price, customers are reluctant,” he says. “I’ve had to limit the number of coconuts each buyer can take. It’s bad for business, but what choice do I have?”
His sentiment was echoed by Rukman Silva, another vendor. “I’ve been selling coconuts for 15 years, and I’ve never seen a shortage like this. Sometimes, we can’t even source enough to fill our stalls. People blame us for the high prices, but the truth is, we’re struggling just as much.”
The household impact
For consumers, the crisis has turned coconuts into a luxury item. Chandani, a homemaker from Wellawatte, recounted how she now rations coconut use. “Before, I’d use one or two coconuts a day for curries and sambols. Now, I use half a coconut and stretch it across meals. Even then, it’s hard to afford.”
Her frustration was shared by Suraj, a father of three from Kandy, who lamented the strain on his budget. “I’ve switched to coconut milk powder, but it doesn’t taste the same. My kids complain, and I feel like I’m compromising their nutrition.”
Root causes of the shortage
While the shortage feels sudden, experts stress that it’s been years in the making. Coconut cultivation has faced neglect over decades, with factors such as land fragmentation, pest attacks, and inadequate irrigation practices taking a toll.
“We’ve failed to address fundamental issues,” explained Samarakoon. “Fertiliser costs have skyrocketed, and climate change has exacerbated vulnerabilities, leading to reduced yields. Over the past 25 years, the land area dedicated to coconut cultivation has stagnated at 1.1 million hectares. If we don’t invest in replanting and modern farming techniques, the crisis will only deepen.”
Compounding the problem is the growing population of pests like toque macaques and giant squirrels, which destroy up to 10% of the annual harvest. “Without natural predators to control their numbers, these animals have become a significant threat to farmers,” he added.
The export dilemma
Sri Lanka’s coconut-based export industry, which includes products like desiccated coconut, virgin coconut oil, and activated carbon, has been a bright spot in the nation’s economy. In 2023, the sector brought in $ 708 million, and 2024 was set to close at $ 850 million – a 17% year-on-year growth.
But behind these figures lies a precarious reality. Exporters are struggling to meet international orders due to raw material shortages, threatening Sri Lanka’s hard-earned reputation as a trusted supplier.
Samarakoon warned: “Our export sector has immense potential, with global demand for coconut-based products growing rapidly due to the rise in plant-based diets. But to capture this market, we need 4.5 billion coconuts annually by 2027, a goal that’s impossible without immediate intervention.”
Seeking solutions
The CCCI has outlined several measures to mitigate the crisis. One recommendation is to allocate Rs. 1.5 billion from the CESS Fund to provide subsidies for fertilisers, pest control, and replanting. Another is to promote processed coconut products like milk powder and desiccated coconut to reduce domestic consumption of fresh coconuts.
Samarakoon also advocated for importing raw materials, such as copra chips and frozen kernels, to stabilise supply chains in the short term. “Importing is a cost-effective solution, especially for the oil and activated carbon industries. But it must be done under strict quality guidelines to protect local standards.”
Long-term strategies are equally crucial. Experts stress the need for replanting efforts, improved irrigation systems, and pest management to boost yields. Additionally, raising awareness about minimising household coconut waste could make a significant difference.
Studies show that 20-25% of domestically consumed coconuts are wasted. Reducing this waste by just 10% could release 200 million coconuts to the export industry, generating over $ 160 million in foreign exchange annually.
A glimmer of hope
Despite the challenges, there is optimism that Sri Lanka can turn the tide. The nation has long been a leader in coconut exports, and with collaborative efforts, it can retain this position.
Samarakoon pointed out: “The time for action is now. By stabilising the local coconut supply, supporting farmers, and fostering innovation, we can secure the livelihoods of thousands and position Sri Lanka as a global leader in the coconut industry. But this requires a united effort – from the Government, farmers, exporters, and consumers alike.”
Back at the market, Bandula was in agreement. “We’re all in this together. The coconut is our life, it feeds us, supports us, and represents us. We need to protect it.”
As Sri Lanka grapples with this shortage, the humble coconut remains a potent symbol of resilience. Whether through immediate interventions or long-term reforms, the hope is that the Tree of Life will once again thrive, sustaining the nation for generations to come.