Sri Lanka bans felling coconut trees without permission

The Sri Lankan government has banned the felling of coconut trees without permission from the Coconut Cultivation Board.

The government decision has been implemented with immediate effect.
Coconut Development Minister Jagath Pushpakumara told the media today that the relevant Gazette notification would be issued soon.

The government decision comes at a time when coconut prices have seen a steep increase in the local market, which has resulted in measures being taken to import coconuts during the festive season.