Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Diana Gamage last week claimed that the Government was engaged in taking measures to legalise the cultivation and export of medical marijuana. She had claimed that it was an “absolute necessity” for the country. Gamage, while being an SJB MP, had extended her support to the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP)-led Government. Gamage told The Morning last week that an act is currently being prepared to this effect and the subject is in continuous discussion with the nation’s top Ayurvedic doctors. She also noted that the global cannabis industry is one that is worth billions of dollars, and Sri Lanka needs to capitalise on it, which will assist in the nation’s ability to settle international debts. “We are talking about a huge industry. I am not just referring to export only for medicinal purposes. From beauty products to fast-moving consumable goods (FMCGs) and food and drink, cannabis is used in numerous industries,” she said. When queried on her thoughts on the recreational use of cannabis in Sri Lanka, Gamage stated that classifying cannabis as a drug is where “it all went wrong”. “If you look back at our history, there has never been an issue with anyone using cannabis for recreational purposes in Sri Lanka. The people of this country were brainwashed by the British who banned this. Today, we see so many citizens who are addicted to all kinds of drugs such as cocaine and heroin. Categorising cannabis as a drug is where it all went wrong for us,” she opined.