Coconut industry hit by Cyclone Ditwah

Rs. 10,000 compensation announced for damaged trees

By Indika Sri Aravinda   

The Coconut Cultivation Board has urged the public to provide necessary information following severe damage to the coconut industry caused by Cyclone Ditwah.   

Board Chairman Dr. Sunimal Jayakody said that affected coconut farmers will receive Rs. 10,000 and coconut saplings for each tree destroyed by the disaster. However, he noted that heavy rains and flooding have affected a large number of saplings at the Board’s seed nursery in Kilinochchi, complicating replanting efforts.   

Dr. Jayakody added that efforts are underway to replant coconut saplings to replace trees lost in landslides and restore the industry over time.   

Meanwhile, the Coconut Development Authority reported that coconut-related industries have suffered losses of approximately Rs. 1,576 million due to the flooding and cyclone. So far, the Authority has received information about 87 severely damaged coconut-related businesses.   

Authorities are appealing to affected farmers and industry operators to submit details promptly to ensure timely compensation and recovery support.