Standard certifications for coconut related products

Ishara MUDUGAMUWA

The Coconut Development and Janatha Estate Development Ministry has taken measures to issue Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) or Standard Certifications for coconut related products, said Coconut Development and Janatha Estate Development Minister Jagath Pushpakumara.

Participating in the MOU signing ceremony between the Coconut Development and Janatha Estate Development Ministry and the Sri Lanka Standards Institute on Monday at the Mahaweli Centre, Minister Pushpakumara said it is necessary to avoid economic losses which can occur due to the export of substandard coconut related products.

“Some manufactures produce substandard products with the purpose of profit making. The ministry has decided to issue standards certificates for them.” said the minister. He also said that manufacturers can sell their products at a good price if they are of a high quality.

“The ministry will take measures to solve all problems faced by coconut related product manufactures,” he said.

“The ministry has already taken measures to provide low interest loans up to Rs. two million for coconut related product manufactures. But some producers who were granted these benefits have failed to produce any coconut related product, which is unfair by the genuine manufactures,” he said.

The ministry has taken a number of decisions to enhance the quality of coconut related products, It will supervise all institutions and take legal action against those who who fail to follow the stipulated recommendations.

The MOU was signed by Coconut Development Authority Director General N.N.C.Bandara and Sri Lanka Standards Institute Director General L.N. Seneweera. Coconut Development Ministry secretary Anura Siriwardane, Additional Secretary D.M.L.Bandaranayake, Coconut Development Authority chairman Sugath Handunge also participated.