Amid economic desperation, Sri Lanka’s decision to allow foreign investors to grow cannabis for export has sparked a fierce backlash. Critics question the lack of transparency, market research, and security measures, warning the move could backfire without clear safeguards or global competitiveness.
The Alcohol and Drug Information Center (ADIC) has raised alarm over the Sri Lankan government’s decision to permit cannabis cultivation under the banner of economic development. In a strongly worded statement, the organization questions whether the newly approved cannabis investment projects, involving seven foreign entities under the Board of Investment (BOI), truly serve the national interest or risk inviting a wave of unintended consequences.
ADIC has posed eight critical questions to the BOI, seeking clarity on how this decision aligns with broader economic recovery plans and whether it compromises public health and security. Central to their concerns is the lack of transparency regarding how cannabis cultivation will be controlled, monitored, and prevented from entering the domestic illegal drug market, which is already rampant in Sri Lanka.
The organization warns that in a country where narcotics are already alarmingly accessible, it is crucial to ensure that cannabis grown for export does not seep into local communities. ADIC challenges the authorities to provide firm guarantees that these cultivation zones will remain secure and regulated, without loopholes that traffickers could exploit.
Another point of contention is the absence of a publicly available international market feasibility study. ADIC argues that a government committed to public accountability should conduct and publish independent analyses that forecast trade volumes, potential revenue, market pricing, and how much foreign exchange cannabis exports could realistically bring into Sri Lanka. Without such data, they warn, the project could be built on speculative economics rather than solid projections.
ADIC further questions whether Sri Lanka has the agricultural, logistical, and quality-control capacity to compete with established cannabis-exporting nations such as China, the Netherlands, Canada, and parts of the United States. These countries have already captured substantial market share in the global legal cannabis trade, leaving newcomers like Sri Lanka at a disadvantage unless they carve out a unique niche backed by quality and trust.
While the BOI promotes cannabis cultivation as a high-earning venture with significant export potential, ADIC urges the government to assess whether this shift toward cannabis-based economic strategies truly aligns with Sri Lanka’s long-term vision. They point out that rapid legalization without groundwork can create public health, legal, and social complications, especially in developing nations with weak regulatory enforcement.
In conclusion, ADIC has called upon the Sri Lankan authorities to prioritize public health, transparency, and evidence-based policymaking. They urge a reversal of the decision until thorough research, stakeholder engagement, and independent risk assessments are conducted. For a country already grappling with a growing drug problem and an economic crisis, ADIC argues that the cannabis cultivation project, if poorly managed, may offer more risks than rewards.
