The Export Development Board (EDB) recently convened a special meeting with key industry stakeholders to address growing challenges facing Sri Lanka’s coconut fibre export sector, particularly the shortage of raw material that is disrupting production and increasing costs for manufacturers and exporters.
Sri Lanka’s coconut coir and fibre-based product exports recorded a strong performance in 2025, with total export earnings reaching approximately USD 294 million, reflecting a notable growth of 22.5 percent compared to the previous year. Despite ongoing supply-side constraints, the sector continues to demonstrate resilience and remains a significant contributor to the country’s foreign exchange earnings.
However, the persistent shortage of coconut fibre is placing considerable pressure on the industry. Manufacturers and exporters have reported rising production costs due to limited raw material availability, along with increasing difficulties in meeting delivery commitments in key international markets.
In response, the EDB brought together senior officials and representatives from across the coconut industry value chain to discuss both immediate relief measures and long-term strategic interventions aimed at stabilising and strengthening the sector.
Discussions focused on potential supply-side measures to enhance raw material availability, mechanisms to better regulate and streamline the fibre supply chain, and policy-level interventions to support exporters in fulfilling international market obligations. Participants also worked towards developing actionable recommendations for implementation in both the short and long term.
The EDB reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with all stakeholders to create an enabling environment for the coconut fibre export industry. As the national institution mandated to promote and develop Sri Lanka’s export sectors, the EDB said it will continue to play a proactive coordinating role in addressing structural and operational challenges affecting the industry.
The meeting was chaired by Mangala Wijesinghe, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the EDB. Senior representatives from key institutions participated, including Dr Sunimal Jayakody, Chairman of the Coconut Cultivation Board (CCB); Janak Sanjeewa Badugama, Director of Export Agriculture at the EDB; G G D Lalani, Additional Director of the National Plant Quarantine Service (NPQS); K A N P Kanugala, Director of Processing Development at the Coconut Development Authority (CDA); and Dr Nayanie S Aratchige, Acting Director of the Coconut Research Institute (CRI), who joined via Zoom.
Representatives from the Sri Lanka Coir and Allied Products Manufacturers Association, the Exporters Association of Coconut Based Substrates, the Ceylon Coir Fibre Manufacturers Association, and the National Chamber of Exporters of Sri Lanka also took part in the discussions.
