Coconut, scientifically known as Cocos nucifera, can be found primarily in the island's tropic and
subtropical regions. The first traces of coconut cultivation in Sri Lanka were discovered in Mahavansa
around 589 AD, during the reign of King Agrabodhi II. Coconut is a very special palm because it has
enormous domestic, commercial, and industrial value throughout the world.
Coconut, along with tea and rubber, has long been one of Sri Lanka's main export crops. For a long
period of time, the major export product has been desiccated coconut. In addition to exporting, it
caters to a large local demand as part of the daily diet in Sri Lanka.
Apart from food preferences, coconut is used in a variety of products and industries, including
domestic processed oil, soap and cosmetic manufacturing, alcohol production, coconut water as a
refreshing drink, and different components of the tree for furnishing and decorating products.
At Orient plantations there are several estates filled with coconut cultivations and their crops are
mostly sold for local buyers who are mainly supplying them for the local market.