Prelates oppose alleged move to legalise cannabis cultivation

By Norman Palihawadana

Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, on Tuesday, urged the government not to legalise cultivation and use of cannabis in the country under any circumstances.

The prelate said the ban on cannabis in Sri Lanka shouldn’t be lifted with a view to generating money as it would bring negative results. He added that he condemned reported move to legalise the cannabis cultivation.

Ven Ittepane Dhammaloka Thera was of the view that the government was planning to grow cannabis and manufacture drugs to export them. But it should think of the future of the country.

“The government should not legalise cannabis here,” the Thera said.

Ven. Thirukunamale Ananda Thera said the country should not try to make profits from cannabis cultivation as it would destroy the country’s youth.