Bandula denies Cabinet approval for cannabis export 

By Charumini de Silva 

Cabinet Co-Spokesman and Minister Bandula Gunawardana yesterday dismissed assertions made by State Minister of Tourism Diana Gamage regarding a proposal for the cultivation and export of cannabis, affirming that no such proposal was presented to the Cabinet.

“She’s not a Cabinet Minister and such a proposal was not presented to the Cabinet on Monday. I cannot give false information about something that didn’t occur,” he clarified at the post-Cabinet meeting media briefing.

Since 2021, Gamage made news headlines with a proposition of using marijuana to contribute to fixing the country’s debt problem. Similar to how tobacco is a legal crop, she suggested that licenses be provided to those who wish to cultivate and export cannabis. 

Gamage has been a strong advocate for responsible discussions about cannabis, from the time she entered the Parliament.

She insisted on its various uses beyond intoxication and advocated for appropriate regulations to tap into the economic opportunities presented by this multi-billion dollar industry amidst the foreign exchange crisis.

In August 2023, during a PMC media briefing, she highlighted the presence of 22 varieties of cannabis in Sri Lanka and the potential for numerous medicinal products derived from hemp. Gamage stressed the significant opportunity for Sri Lanka to capitalise on the cultivation and export of cannabis.

“It is essential to clarify that when discussing the cultivation of hemp (Cannabis), the focus is not on its use as an intoxicant,” she stated. “Cannabis, indeed, is classified as a drug, but it also has significant potential for medical and industrial purposes.”

Gamage noted that hemp cultivation is gaining prominence globally, and Sri Lanka has the potential to become a leader in this industry. 

She outlined lucrative investment prospects in producing medicines from hemp, which could yield substantial economic benefits for the country.

“While cannabis has been traditionally associated with recreational use, its medicinal and industrial applications offer promising avenues for economic growth. A 10-acre hemp plantation alone has the potential to generate around $ 200 million,” Gamage added.