Meegahakumbura, M.K.Dissanayaka, H.D.M.A.C.Perera, S.A.C.N.Samarasinghe , C.R.K.Weerasinghe, P.R.Vidanarachchi, V.Perera, L.2025-03-252020Cocos, 23: p. 37-46https://dl-cri.nsf.gov.lk/handle/1/4338Systematic coconut breeding has a long history in Sri Lanka. Diverse coconut germplasm becomes the basis for coconut breeding. Crop breeding needs to change its directions with the priority needs of the industry. This review paper sheds a glimpse into the historical, conventional and modem germplasm exchange over the last century from early 1900s to 2019 and their subsequent utilization in the National Coconut Breeding Programme in Sri Lanka. This is the first attempt of reviewing acquisition of exotic coconut germplasm , their conservations and prudent utilization in the national coconut breeding programme in Sri Lanka with challenges, opportunities and success stories.enexchange programmesSri lankacoconutmelecular markersgermplasmArticleDOI: 10.4038/cocos.v23i1.5822