Nationwide Distribution of 500,000 Coconut Plants Launches to Boost Homestead Cultivation.

Sri Lanka embarks on a transformative agricultural initiative today, distributing 500,000 coconut plants across the country to promote self-sufficiency, poverty reduction, and sustainable cultivation.

A large-scale national program to distribute 500,000 coconut plants for homestead cultivation begins today (November 9), marking a major step toward strengthening Sri Lanka’s rural economy and agricultural resilience.

The inaugural event will be held in Uhana town, Ampara, under the patronage of Minister of Plantations and Community Infrastructure Samantha Vidyaratne and Deputy Minister of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment Wasantha Piyathissa at 10:00 a.m.

This project follows a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Ministry of Rural Development, Social Security and Community Empowerment and the Ministry of Plantations and Community Infrastructure, reflecting a united effort to empower rural families and encourage sustainable coconut cultivation.

Under the initiative, 500,000 coconut plants will be distributed free of charge to 250,000 beneficiary families across all districts, excluding the five districts within the Northern Coconut Triangle — Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Mannar, and Vavuniya.

The program aims to establish approximately 7,812 acres of new coconut plantations nationwide. Beneficiaries, identified by the ‘Praja Shakthi’ National Programme Committee and approved by Regional Coordination Committees, will be supported in cultivating coconut trees in their home gardens to meet their daily household needs.

The initiative will be jointly monitored by officers from the ‘Praja Shakthi’ National Programme Committee and the Coconut Cultivation Board, ensuring effective supervision from the distribution phase through to the first harvest.

This forward-looking project not only contributes to food security and economic stability but also aligns with the government’s broader mission to uplift rural livelihoods and promote environmentally sustainable farming practices.