Minister Gamage made these comments today (23rd Feb.) in parliament answering a question by MP Indika Anuruddha.

The minister said that there is a high demand for coconut oil in the international market. The price of coconuts has increased. Therefore our ministry together with the ministry of Plantations has launched a program to increase the cultivation.

In addition plans are underway to add value to coconut products to get a higher export revenue, said the minister.