Sri Lanka’s cannabis debate has taken a dramatic turn, with Deputy Minister of Labor Mahinda Jayasinghe revealing that the Board of Investment’s hemp cultivation project for export was first introduced under the previous government.
He explained that the initial steps to launch this controversial project were taken with the approval and support of political leaders who, at the time, sat in opposition. When the proposal was first raised, the current ruling party strongly opposed it, warning of its potentially harmful consequences.
However, Jayasinghe noted that the current administration is now reshaping the initiative. He emphasized that if hemp cultivation is carried out responsibly, with safeguards to prevent abuse, it could become a valuable industry that benefits the country’s economy rather than harming society.
At present, land has been allocated for four companies in the Mirigama Investment Zone to begin operations. The project aims to position hemp cultivation primarily as an export-driven industry. Importantly, the export of raw hemp is prohibited, meaning the initiative’s main objective is to process and export value-added hemp-based products for international markets.
With global demand for industrial hemp and cannabis-related products rising, Sri Lanka’s sudden policy shift marks a bold attempt to turn what was once seen as a national threat into an economic opportunity.
