No major income from exporting cannabis: ADIC

Published

3 months ago

June 26, 2023

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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.

Number of rabies deaths on the rise

Published

2 hours ago

September 21, 2023

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The Ministry of Health said that the number of people who have died from rabies has increased in the last few years.

Dr. Heshan Guruge, medical officer of the Anti-Rabies Division, said that the lack of knowledge about rabies as well as the bites of animals other than dogs have led to the increase in these deaths.

Dr. Guruge expressed these views while attending a discussion held yesterday (20) at the Health Promotion Bureau in conjunction with the World Rabies Day on September 28.

“When studying the human deaths that happened in the last few years due to rabies, we can see that a number of animals other than dogs have bit them. In some cases, it is not even possible to know who the animal is. Several people who had passed out after being drunk had been bitten by some animal. After a few days, the symptoms of rabies develop. Several such incidents were reported in the last two or three years. Proper first aid should be given in case of any animal bite. Wash the wound with soap and water. If you have alcohol at home, an iodine solution like betadine, surgical spirit, or an antiseptic liquid like hydrogen peroxide, you can use it. Then go to a hospital. If we do this, we can eliminate rabies from Sri Lanka,” he said.

Don’t get closer to new pets for two weeks

Meanwhile, Dr. Athula Liyanapathirana, community specialist of the Epidemiology Unit, said that 12 people have died due to rabies in 2023 so far.

He said that there is a risk of contracting rabies from the bites of all mammals.

The Anti-rabies Unit said that 25 to 30 people die from rabies every year.

The Epidemiology Unit requested the people not to get closer to pets such as dogs and cats for 14 days after bringing them home.

Arrangements should be made to vaccine the dogs against rabies before a period of four weeks has passed.

When bitten by a dog, the area should be washed and cleaned with soap for ten minutes, and after that it is important to seek medical treatment immediately.