The coconut triangle of Sri Lanka had a good connection with the culture and economy of Sri Lankans. The scientific name of coconut is ‘cocos Nucifera, and also known as kapruka in Sri Lanka. Today, coconut production contributes greatly to the local economy of Sri Lanka. The Coconut Development Act No. 46 of 1971 governs the coconut industry in Sri Lanka. In the last decade, there has been a steady growth in exports of Sri Lankan coconut products.
There was a significant increase in coconut export value between 2020 and 2021. In 2021, the export income of coconut products was 836.1 million US dollars. It is a growth of 25.80% compared to the previous year
Coconut Triangle of Sri Lanka
Coconut is a major agricultural crop in Sri Lanka. There are favorable environmental conditions for coconut cultivation in Sri Lanka. There are special areas in the country that are mainly suitable for coconut cultivation as a commercial crop. Mostly, coconut plantations in the western and southern lowlands of Sri Lanka grow very healthy coconuts for commercial purposes. However, there is a separate area in the country that holds the best soil for coconut plantations. Apart from the soil, the area lies within the dry and intermediate climatic zones, making it ideal for coconut plantations. The Coconut Triangle’ in Sri Lanka refers to the area surrounded by the districts of Kurunegala, Puttalam, and Colombo. The main reason for the name ‘Coconut Triangle’ is its geographical location between three major cities. Anyone who travels through the Coconut Triangle will see beautiful views of lush, green groves and well-maintained large coconut plantations.
Sri Lanka’s coconut triangle produces 3000 million nuts annually. The country exports 200 million of them every year. The local community within the country consumes the balance quantity of coconut nuts. Export of coconut and coconut-related products contribute to our long-term national economic growth. Thus, coconut-related products occupy a high place in Sri Lanka’s economy.
The Coconut Triangle covers 66 percent of the country’s total acreage and is the largest coconut-producing area in South Asia. Coconut and its many by-products account for about 12% of Sri Lanka’s agricultural produce market.
