The Palmyrah Profile
The first dominant sign of Jaffna peninsula is immune to change. In fact, such a transformation is simply unthinkable. Those towering trees stretch across the landscape. Just as the slender trunks and sweeping fronds of the coconut define the South, the Palmyrah stands tall in the North, with its fan-shaped leaves and rugged, column-like trunks. The Palmyrah are far more than just scenery. They are part and parcel of the northern region’s economy, culture, and daily life.
The latest data reveal that total exports from the Palmyrah sector soared from approximately Rs. 22 million in January and February 2024 to nearly Rs. 93 million in the same period of 2025. This 322% growth demonstrates the recent initiatives aimed at expanding production and market reach. The revenue increase also indicates a rise in demand as well as the sector’s capacity to compete in global markets.
It is against this backdrop that the Daily News steps into the Palmyrah Development Board (PDB), located along Kandy Road in Jaffna to meet its chairperson, Vinayagamoorthy Sakathevan.
All was not well when Sakathevan took office in October 2024. A new government was in power, and change was in the air. Yet, not everyone was ready to embrace it. Certain segments were hesitant, seeking to sideline the new chairperson. But Sakathevan’s decade-long experience proved invaluable. He earned trust and support through his expertise and approachable leadership.
Vinayagamoorthy Sakathevan is a researcher, community development consultant, and entrepreneur with over 32 years of experience in research and development. With expertise in biotechnology and specialisation in tissue culture, he has played a key role in modernising farming, aquaculture, and environmental conservation. His contributions include the planting of over 10,000 bamboo and other trees across Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, and Mannar within a month. He has also participated in agricultural and aquaculture research and development across Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
Community Upliftment
The PDB has been established to oversee the cultivation, processing, and commercialisation of Palmyrah-based products. Initially instituted by leftist stalwart NM Perera, the sector was created to empower the lower communities in Jaffna through the Jaffna Palm Development Co-Operative Society. Upper-class participation was minimal due to prevailing caste-based social structures. Making this initiative, therefore,was a critical factor for community upliftment.
The PDB was originally placed under the Ministry of Plantations, as per the amendment to the Sri Lanka Coconut Development Act in 1978. However, in 2024, it was brought under the Ministry of Plantation and Community Infrastructure to sharpen its focus on economic and industrial expansion. Its activities include the restoration of Palmyrah plantations, renovation of existing farms, handicraft training program, product development, research, and national and international product promotion through sales outlets like Katpaham.
“Palmyrah remains one of the most underutilised resources, with an estimated 15 million trees, half of which are mature and suitable for tapping. Each Palmyrah tree can generate an annual seasonal income of approximately Rs. 120,000.If fully utilised, local revenue from Palmyrah-based products could reach Rs. 900 billion annually.If exported, the industry has the potential to generate $24 billion annually,” Sakathevan explains.
He adds: “The global alcoholic beverage market is expected to reach $2036 billion by 2030. If Sri Lanka manages to capture at least 1% of this market through Palmyrah-based beverages, the sector could generate significant foreign exchange.”
Value-Added Products
Palmyrah offers a wide range of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic products, with over 1,000 reported value-added products. These include alcoholic products such astoddy, arrack, wine and brandy. The non-alcoholic products includesweet toddy, jaggery, treacle, tuber, fiber, pulp, handicrafts, panaddu, timber, sugar candy. Value-added products include biscuits, sauces, cakes, yogurt, ice-cream, hand wash, shoe polish, Palmate, and more.
The industry is supported by a network of stakeholders: the Palmyrah Development Board, the Palmyrah Research Institute, 38 Palm Product Development Co-operative Societies with 7,000 members, 50 Women’s Production Groups involving 3,000 women, over 50 exporters, and various Government and non-government institutions.
Despite its economic potential, the Palmyrah sector has faced numerous challenges, including political interference, war, and the privatisation of key distilleries. Under Sakathevan’s leadership, however, efforts are underway to regain control of these assets for community-driven economic development.
Sakathevan has also developed a strategic framework to tackle industry barriers. In just three months, he has streamlined tree-cutting regulations, eased export restrictions, and revamped branding strategies. His efforts have already led to a notable revenue boost: the PDB has generated Rs. 300 million in a short period.
“We’ve set a long-term five-year plan in motion to maximise the industry’s potential, particularly in Jaffna. The peninsula is home to around 115 million Palmyrah trees.If executed without political interference, this industry could generate up to $25 billion in revenue and become a major contributor to the country’s economy,” Sakathevan notes.
Modern Technology
Jaffna’s Palmyrah industry also has the potential to address unemployment and integrate modern technology into production processes. Sakathevan has taken significant steps transform the sector into a key economic driver.
“Our major focus has been the modernisation of jaggery and toddy production. We have introduced advanced processing techniques that minimise waste while enhancing efficiency. Sustainable resource management has also taken centrestage. We have taken strict measures to curb the destruction of Palmyrah trees. These measures ensure that this valuable resource continues to benefit future generations,” Sakathevan emphasises.
“Palmyrah is not only an economic asset but also a natural ally in carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation,” he adds.
Efforts are underway to expand Palmyrah-based industries beyond Jaffna, across the country. Traditionally confined to the Northern Province, these products are now being positioned for creating new opportunities for investment and employment.
“The people in the South have yet to fully embrace Palmyrah beyond its traditional uses. The tree’s economic impact extends far beyond the Northwith over 800 unique products. The Government is also engaging the Tamil diaspora to support investment and export expansion,” Sakathevan explains.
For the first time, international orders are now being managed directly from Jaffna, rather than being routed through Colombo as in the past.
https://www.dailynews.lk/2025/03/20/featured/745508/the-palmyrah-profile/