H.E. Ms. Dilini Jayawardhana, Charge' d'Affaires of the Embassy of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka for the Government of Indonesia, and Ms. Genesa Lahope, Government Relations Officer on Thursday, visited ICC Secretariat, on 5 January 2023.
With the purpose to strengthen the relationship between Sri Lanka and ICC Secretariat. Also, to explore the role of ICC in the coconut development in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is one of the 6 founding member countries of the ICC.
Dr. Jelfina C. Alouw, Executive Director, ICC presented the ICC profile, vision and mission, highlights of ICC activities/programs such as the COCOTECH Conference and Exhibition, Session and Ministerial Meeting, several workshop and symposium on good agricultural practice, quality standards, tissue culture, with participants from all member countries, including Sri Lanka.
She addressed the importance of strengthening the relationship of both parties and highlights of the contribution and support of ICC to the coconut sector development in Sri Lanka including but are not limited to technology transfer, capacity building, coconut industry facilitation and research and communication facility provision. She was also grateful and greatly appreciated the immense support from the government of Sri Lanka through Coconut Research Institute (CRI) in hosting and conducting three International Certificate Courses for Coconut Development Officers with the participation of ICC member countries in 2018, 2019 and 2021.
HE. Mrs. Dilini Jayawardhana mentioned the development of the coconut industry and the importance of this sector for the people and country of Sri Lanka. She greatly appreciated the role and contribution of ICC to the growth and development of the sector and asked for continued support for the development of the coconut industry in the country. The relationship between ICC and Sri Lanka is bound by noble values so these values must shape the relationship going forward.