The 3rd International Certificate Course for Coconut Development Officers started virtually on 4th October and will be concluded on 5th November 2021. The course is conducted by Coconut Research Institute of Sri Lanka (CRISL) in association with the International Coconut Community (ICC). The virtual course is being conducted for 23 days covering 45 lectures in 63 hours. The first two courses were conducted successfully in 2018 and 2019 at CRISL Campus.
The teaching panel comprises predominantly of well-experienced scientists from CRISL, other research and development institutions, and university staff. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic situation, the training could not conduct during 2020. The training launched with the inauguration ceremony commenced on 4th October 2021, by lighting of the traditional oil lamp and playing the national anthem of Sri Lanka.
Dr. Saranga Alahapperuma, Chairman, CRI Sri Lanka, delivered the welcome address. He expressed his appreciation for the support from the government of Sri Lanka, ICC, ITC, NAM CSSTC, dignitaries, and other international organization partners. He encouraged all participants to fully participate in the training sessions and adopt new knowledge from the classes, which can be very well implemented in their countries for the development of the sector.
Dr. Jelfina C. Alouw, Executive Director, ICC, in her address mentioned that the primary aim of the training is to assist the member countries in addressing various issues in the coconut sector, including research, knowledge, technology, innovation gaps, by building and enhancing the capacity of field level coconut officers in their respective countries. Development of strong science, technology, and capacity are some of the keys to addressing the persistence and emerging challenges associated with the low productivity of coconut, poverty of small-scale farmers, low product diversification, and value-added product development, and trade-related issues that ICC member countries are facing now. All ICC member countries are united to support each other, through collaboration with other international research institutions and organizations like CRISL, NAM Centre, ITC, ACIAR, other coconut research institutes, coconut development boards of the countries.
She hoped that the valuable opportunity to join this virtual training course could optimally benefit the coconut sector development. She also hoped that all trainees have a strong commitment to learning, have a good analytical ability, and a general willingness to share the reliable knowledge and experience with others, to implement the knowledge and technology to the coconut sector, and she was looking forward to their recommendations for the sustainable coconut development of their country.
Dr. Sanathanie Ranasinghe, Director, CRI, Sri Lanka, in her address, expressed that she was happy to see the increase in the number of trainees from various countries attending this training program. In 2018 the participants were only 14 from 8 countries, whereas the number increased to 21 participants from 14 countries during 2019. This year 39 participants from 19 countries are registered to attend the course. She hoped that all participants take maximum benefits of the training with their active participation, not only to gain knowledge and experience but also to strengthen the link and friendship amongst the participants from different continents of the world. She also hoped that the participants would work as one team and exchange ideas during the training period.
In his address, Mr. Ravindra Hewavithrarana, Secretary, Ministry of Plantation, Sri Lanka, mentioned that participants from different countries gathered to learn knowledge on coconut production and the related Industries. In this process, if millions of growers and industrialists are inbound and contribute to uplift the industry, it would be a great relief to the coconut community as well as to the millions of related parties in those countries. There are regional disparities and regional development issues are being addressed. The entire world has recognized the health benefits, cosmetic advantages, and nutritional value of coconut and coconut products. He highly appreciated the timely initiative taken by the International Coconut Community to broaden the horizon of the leaders of coconut development along with CRI, Sri Lanka, amid the existing COVID-19 pandemic.
In his address, Mr. William Castro Rodriguez, International Trade Centre, mentioned that this course underlined the importance of promoting the coconut industries all around the world and sharing linkages between the coconut growing communities. As the coconut demand continued to increase, it is important to target the main issues to increase coconut production. This comprehensive course will address all these issues and it will be of great benefit for participants all around the world. Although this training could not be conducted physically, he appreciated the effort of the CRI and ICC for organizing this event and hoped that through this course participants can replicate to share the knowledge. The ITC promotes an “answer-for-action approach” which is building partnership, sharing experiences, and having a comprehensive approach for activities that they do. Those all are in line with the international course’s approach.
The vote of thanks was delivered by Dr. Athula Nainanayake, Course Director, CRISL. He extended his thanks to all those who supported, contributed, in any form to make this event and training program a success. He encouraged and requested all trainees to actively participate and try to take the maximum benefits out of this training to contribute to the coconut industry in their countries and the global coconut industry.
A short video of the recap of 2019 training was played.