No major income from exporting cannabis: ADIC

Published

2 years ago

June 26, 2023

editor

There is no truth in the reports that large economic benefits can be generated from exporting cannabis, the Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC) said.

It said that various efforts are being made to legalize the use of cannabis in Sri Lanka and a committee has been appointed to investigate the feasibility of exporting cannabis.

The minister in charge of the subject had recently announced that permission would be given in this regard as a special project under the Board of Investment (BOI).

However, the ADIC said the audit records of the cannabis companies had revealed that there is no truth in the claims that there are economic benefits from exporting cannabis.

It expressed these views by issuing a statement in view of the International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, or World Drug Day, today.

They pointed out that parties with vested interests hope to promote cannabis in the guise of the economic crisis.

The Centre noted that the current positive ideologies of cannabis will help increase its popularity.

The ADIC further said the use of other drugs would also increase when harmful drugs such as cannabis are popularized.

It said that about 100 people die daily due to smoking and alcohol use and that tobacco and alcohol companies earn about Rs.1,000 million from Sri Lankans.

COVID subvariants spreading in Asia detected in Sri Lanka

Published

9 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Medical Research Institute of Sri Lanka has confirmed that the COVID-19 variant currently spreading in the Asian region has also been identified in the country.

Dr. Jude Jayamaha, a specialist in viral diseases at the Medical Research Institute, stated that patients infected with the Omicron subvariants LF.7 and XFG are being reported locally.

Dr. Jayamaha explained that this finding was confirmed through research conducted on biological samples collected from several hospitals across the island.

However, he emphasized that there is no need for undue fear regarding these COVID-19 variants.

Health authorities have also stressed the importance of vulnerable groups—such as pregnant mothers, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses—following health guidelines, including wearing face masks and avoiding crowded places.

Dr. Jayamaha reiterated that new COVID-19 variants emerge periodically, and health authorities are continuously monitoring the situation, so the public should remain calm.

(newswire.lk)

(This story, originally published by newswire.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

Anudi misses out from Miss World Quarter-Finals

Published

9 hours ago

May 31, 2025

editor

The Miss World organization has announced its quarter-finalists, selecting 40 contestants from across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas.

Sri Lanka’s Anudi Gunasekara, was not selected in the top 40, despite being recognized for her impressive performances in the Multimedia and Head-to-Head challenges.

The top 40 consisted of 10 contestants each from Asia & Oceania, Europe, Africa and the Americas.