Approval Granted for Cannabis Production in Sri Lanka – Minister Nalinda

14-Aug-2025

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Permission has been granted to produce cannabis exclusively for export purposes within investment zones. 

Cabinet Spokesperson and Minister Nalinda Jayatissa announced that the programme is being implemented jointly by the Board of Investment and the Ayurvedic Department under strict regulations and security measures.

Speaking at the weekly press conference on Cabinet decisions held at the Department of Government Information in Colombo on 11 August 2025, the Minister said:

Approval for cannabis production in investment zones had been granted in April 2024, during the tenure of the then State Minister. The relevant regulations were also prepared at that time. Accordingly, the programme could commence in collaboration with the Board of Investment. However, although seven investors had come forward earlier, delays occurred due to shortcomings in procedures.

Approval must also be obtained from the Ayurvedic Department, as well as from other institutions such as the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Public Security. Only under stringent security regulations will permission be granted, and all production will be solely for export purposes.

The Board of Investment and the Ayurvedic Department are jointly implementing these projects, which will be confined to investment zones. Only under such an arrangement can investors be provided with incentives and regulatory frameworks. The Minister stressed that this is a project to be carried out under tight restrictions.