- Cocoa was introduced to Sri Lanka by the British in 1834.  Cocoa cultivation was established in Matale of the Central Hills and Uva Wellassa areas in Sri Lanka as a mixed crop with rubber and coconut.  A new rubber cultivation programme in 5000 ha. is underway in the Uva Province and this programme has created a favourable environment to commence growing cocoa as a mixed crop.   The objective of the above project is to ensure the maximum utilization of existing lands while maintaining ecological balance in the respective zone thereby increasing the extent of cocoa cultivation up to 3000 ha., and the cocoa harvest up to 5550 mt. by 2020.  On the proposal made by Hon. Reginald Cooray, Minister of Minor Export Crop Promotion, Cabinet approval was granted to proceed with the programme in close collaboration with the Ministry of Plantation Industries and the Rubber Development Department.