• Asgiri Chapter reiterates stance aired during fmr. Govt.’s tenure that such is ‘wholly inappropriate’

The Asgiri Chapter of the Siam Sect stated that allowing for the commercial cultivation of cannabis is not at all appropriate when the drug menace has already become a serious issue in the country.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, Secretary to the Supreme Sangha Council – Asgiri Chapter, Ven. Dr. Medagama Dhammananda said: “We were against this when the previous Government tried to do it. We held meetings to oppose it then, and our position has not changed. What we are saying now is exactly what we said then. This is not appropriate for a country at all. The drug menace has already become a disaster.”

His remarks come amid reports that approval has been granted for a cannabis cultivation project under the Board of Investment (BOI) on a 64-acre site in Mirigama, with seven foreign investors chosen from 37 applicants. In the first phase, each investor has been issued a six-month temporary licence, with the Government planning to extend the cultivation period depending on progress. 

As part of the requirements, each investor must place a $ 2 million bond with the Central Bank as a guarantee, with a minimum investment of $ 5 million to start operations. All cannabis grown in Sri Lanka under this scheme must be exported and used only for pharmaceutical production and testing. No seeds, leaves, roots, or any other part of the plant can be released into the environment. It has been made mandatory for the cultivation area to be surrounded by a secure fence, with investors also required to arrange Special Task Force and Police protection.

Oversight of the project will be jointly handled by the BOI, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Environment, and the Department of Ayurveda.

The Government Medical Officers’ Association, the Sri Lanka Medical Association, the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board and the Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists were unavailable for comment.