Sri Lanka’s king coconut GI preliminary research nears completion
The Morning: Sri Lanka has commenced the process of obtaining Geographical Indication (GI) certification for king coconut, with the preliminary research phase now nearing completion.
Speaking to The Sunday Morning Business, Coconut Research Institute Acting Director N.S. Aratchige revealed that the institute had begun the preliminary process for obtaining GI certification for Sri Lankan king coconut.
She added that the studies were almost complete under the preliminary research process, with only the data analysis of one final experiment remaining.
Aratchige further revealed that the studies conducted so far had provided sufficient proof to establish that the Sri Lankan king coconut was unique to Sri Lanka.
“We now have enough proof to confirm that Sri Lankan king coconut is different from other varieties,” she stated.
However, she said that there was still a long way to go before Sri Lanka obtained GI status for king coconut.
“We have to first form farmer organisations since GI is given to farmer organisations, and then the Export Development Board (EDB) will have to work on getting GI for king coconut,” she explained.
Aratchige further noted that a discussion had been held at the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure in this regard, during which it had been decided that Sri Lanka would first apply for local GI registration for king coconut before pursuing international registration.
She also revealed that the institute was now taking steps to introduce Good Agricultural Practice (GAP) certification for Sri Lankan coconut.
“We are getting GAP certification for Cocos nucifera, which is the scientific name for coconut. King coconut comes under Cocos nucifera as well, so we are obtaining GAP for both coconut and king coconut,” she stated.
Aratchige added that the institute had, together with the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI), developed the GAP criteria, which had already been published to obtain public opinion.
“Together with the SLSI, we have developed the GAP criteria and they have already been published to obtain public opinion. We will likely be able to complete the GAP process by the end of the year,” she stated.
She added that, under the GAP process, a certifying body would have to be appointed with which farmers could register and apply for GAP certification.
Commenting on the benefits, she pointed out that possessing GAP certification provided a premium price for the product in the international market. She also noted that by 2030–2035, GAP certification would become mandatory for access to the European Union (EU) market.
OSL take:
Sri Lanka’s push to secure GI certification for its king coconut is the latest sign of the country’s broader strategy to move up the global value chain by marketing premium, origin-based products rather than relying solely on commodity exports. With preliminary research indicating that the Sri Lankan king coconut possesses unique characteristics exclusive to the island, GI recognition would strengthen its international branding, enhance export competitiveness and potentially command premium prices in overseas markets. It also opens business/investment opportunities for investment in value-added processing, branded beverages, nutraceuticals, cosmetics and health products derived from king coconut. The initiative comes amid a broader expansion of Sri Lanka’s export sector, which is increasingly diversifying beyond traditional exports such as apparel, tea and rubber. Growing demand for high-value agricultural products, processed foods, spices, wellness products and sustainable consumer goods is creating fresh business/investment opportunities for both local enterprises and international investors. For foreign businesses/investors, Sri Lanka offers access to a range of premium agricultural commodities with strong export potential, supported by improving quality standards, product traceability and branding initiatives. Investment opportunities are emerging across processing, packaging, cold-chain logistics, food technology, research and development, export marketing and supply chain management. As global consumers increasingly seek authentic, sustainably sourced and geographically distinctive products, Sri Lanka’s strategy of building internationally recognised brands through certifications such as GI could further enhance the country’s export competitiveness. For foreign businesses/investors, the evolving export landscape presents opportunities not only to access premium niche markets but also to establish long-term partnerships in one of South Asia’s emerging value-added export hubs.
| Article Code : | VBS/AT/20260803Z_2 |