The coconut team had an amazing experience in Sri Lanka, and having arrived with a number of assumptions had some of these confirmed, and also discovered many ‘challenges’ to the industry. Critically we hadn’t realised that 65-70% of coconut production is in home gardens and essentially for domestic consumption with any excess being sold locally […]

We three Coconuts today planned for a quiet day; a slow start and a plan to “stay local”. We headed out shortly after nine to visit Weligama Nursery – where they propagate coconut seedlings.  On arrival we seemed unexpected and the owner was away – but our visit was rescued by the appearance of an […]

An 8am start again for the three of us, heading once again to the Agriculture Faculty of the University of Ruhuna, Mapalana as start point. Today we were joined by a young research assistant (Sange) as Mr Kumar Singhe was off, and in a bit of pain following stitches to the two fingers he cut […]

We were the only group that had to leave early today and of course were the only ones down at the restaurant 7.30 in the morning, ready for a quick breakfast then leave. We arrived at the university at 9am. Mr Kumarsinghe came with us to head to our first stop. We saw all kinds […]

We three Coconuts today joined the Cinnamon’s on a trip to the Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Ruhuna. On route we passed the town of Matara we saw busy life flow past us; throngs of school children in their white uniforms and bright white trainers, an oxen pulling a cart, and lots of […]

Well after nearly 24 hours in transit the team, along with the other groups, have safely arrived at the Jaga Bay Hotel, Weligama. A long journey with a 3 hour stopover in Dubai. Dubai airport as you might expect was large, opulent and expensive! Opting for the ‘traditional’ breakfast before arrival at Colombo I was […]