Six companies given green light to cultivate cannabis: Ven. Omalpe Sobitha Thera

3 November 2025 09:46 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 10 Bookmark

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By Ajithlal Shantha Udaya

Colombo, Nov. 3 (Daily Mirror) - Six companies have been given the green light to cultivate cannabis and had been given 66 acres for the project, a prominent monk said over the week end.

Venerable Omalpe Sobitha Thera said this development has taken place amidst the launch of ‘Ratama Ekata’ programme to curb addiction and trafficking of drugs.

“President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has taken a step towards preventing drug trafficking and addiction the other day. This is an important decision made on behalf of future generations. However some 66 acres have been given to six companies to grow cannabis.

“Growing, keeping it in one’s possession and importation of cannabis is prohibited under Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance no 17 of 1929. This legislation is still effective,” Venerable Thera said.

He recalled that one reason for the previous government’s defeat is its policy of allowing the growth of cannabis following the proposal of then Deputy Minister Diana Gamage.

“We request the government to reverse this policy of allowing the growing of Cannabis,” he said.

The Monk called for feasibility study reports if the government has allowed this move.

Venerable monks said what would happen to cannabis produce if the plans to export ends up in a failure.

Comments - 10

BuffaloaCitizen Monday, 03 November 2025 10:03 AM

The cannabis that is to be cultivated is specifically and rigidly for medical purpose and medical purpose only. It is going to be implemented similar to the manner the Free Trade Zones work where duty free facilities are provided to foreign investments for re-exporting them back after local services. Therefore, as a Buddhist Monk you should concentrate on propagating religious discipline rather than going into subjects you are totally ignorant and further scare mongering and not become a Political pimp to earlier Politicians.

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Only cannabis users will want this here Monday, 03 November 2025 02:30 PM

How can you guarantee none of this will enter the local market? Also, sends mixed messages to people. “Bad to take, but okay to grow. “ What next? Poppies for heroin? West needs it for opiate medicine.

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DOT Monday, 03 November 2025 10:16 AM

What is the logic of your argument?

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Just saying Monday, 03 November 2025 10:47 AM

Has the government ever heard of wind dispersal of seeds? Unless they are going to stop that, how will they ensure cultivation is contained? Really unwise proposal should be reversed as Thera suggests.

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Rala Monday, 03 November 2025 10:53 AM

Tobacco causes cancer and it must be banned as per our constitution.

2 16

PS Monday, 03 November 2025 11:07 AM

pls stay away from politics , you all have done enough damage to the country , every good proposal destroyed by the same set of these people , they don't want this country to be flourished nor developed , it is certain that they want this country to remain as 3rd world or even low. come on now!!!

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Gunadasa. Monday, 03 November 2025 11:16 AM

If this man is really honest with his idea, he can easily have a private audience with President to discuss the matter first without publicly disturbing a smoothly functioning Govt. Dirty politics to pamper Opposition.

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Venarable Pusa Monday, 03 November 2025 12:03 PM

Great news! More such permits should be issued to properly vetted comosnies for cultivatiom. Maybe it's time the government introduce laws to distance religious bodies from government instead.

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Dr Tissa Fernando Monday, 03 November 2025 05:46 PM

Many garments from Free Zone factories enter black market here on the disguise of rejects. Those are being sold on the market openly. So the cannibbis will also be locally produced and likely to sold locally.

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Truth of the matter Monday, 03 November 2025 06:03 PM

Wise up people! Globally, religious leaders often play a part in safeguarding interests and welfare of citizens. Nothing unique to Sri Lanka. If that involves engaging with political leaders to ensure wise governance; accept and understand it, rather than criticise.

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