Six companies have reportedly been granted approval to cultivate cannabis on 66 acres of land, a prominent Buddhist monk revealed over the weekend.
Venerable Omalpe Sobitha Thera said the move comes at a time when the government has launched the *“Ratama Ekata”* programme aimed at curbing drug addiction and trafficking.
“President Anura Kumara Dissanayake recently took an important step towards preventing drug trafficking and addiction, a commendable move for the future of our youth. However, at the same time, 66 acres have been allocated to six companies for cannabis cultivation,” the Thera said.
He pointed out that growing, possessing, or importing cannabis remains prohibited under the *Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance No. 17 of 1929*, which is still in effect.
Venerable Sobitha Thera also recalled that one of the factors behind the previous government’s defeat was its controversial proposal to legalise cannabis cultivation, initially presented by then Deputy Minister Diana Gamage.
“We urge the government to immediately reverse this policy allowing cannabis cultivation,” he said, calling on authorities to release feasibility study reports justifying the decision.
