Sri Lankan Minister Climbs Tree To Draw Everyone's Attention To Coconut Shortage In The Country

To talk about the crisis in the country Sri Lankan State Minister of Coconut, Arundika Fernando, climbed a coconut tree. He said the country is facing a shortage of 700 million coconuts due to the high demand from local industries and domestic consumption.

"We hope to utilise every available plot of land for the cultivation of coconuts and boost the industry to one which would generate foreign exchange to the country," the minister was quoted as saying by News First.

Malaimalaar

Fernando reportedly said that the government aims to reduce the prices of coconut amid the shortage in the country.

Talking about the lack of workers for production of toddy and to pick coconuts, he reportedly said the coconuts will not be imported despite the surge in the prices.

Also Read: Could Coconut Oil Be An Effective Agent Against Coronavirus? One Science Professor Thinks So

Omlanka

Even though the minister managed to climb the tree with the help of a contraption without much difficulty, it apparently took great effort to bring him down.

News First also shared a video showing the struggle of the minister in climbing the tree.

Also Read: Farmer Creates Ingenious Device To Carry Him Up Trees To Pick Coconuts

One can see an elaborate contraption with sort of a chair attached to him. People around can be seen helping him go up the coconut tree. After some effort, minister manages to gain some height and talks about the issue from there with a coconut in his hand.

He then proceeds to climb down and one can see he is facing yet more trouble. Finally with the help of his supporters he managed to climb down and get out of the contraption.