Sri Lanka, Feb. 7 -- Which of the following would you associate coconut shells with: fuel, ladles, salt-container, dental care, gold extraction, respirators, cabin air treatment, chemical industry, drinking water purification, industrial air treatment, pharmaceutical industry, super capacitors, 'kon pittu'?
Most Sri Lankan kids at one point in their lives would have had to either learn about the coconut tree or write essays about it. They would consider each and every part of this miracle tree and learn of its bountiful yield. It is the epitome of giving without reservation: thatched roofs, mats, baskets, mulch and rope, beams, decorations for all religious and important celebrations, firewood, charcoal and of course desiccated coconut fo...