Temperance movement in Sri Lanka says NO to marijuana legalization

His Eminence Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith, the Archboshop of Colombo speaking to reporters in Colombo said it is disappointing to note that even certain ministers are speaking of promoting marijuana at a time when law enforcement is combating the drug menace in Sri Lanka.

"I urge the political leadership of the country not to leagalize marijuana and not to ease the restriction imposed marijuana as well,' said His Eminence.

Ven. Dr. Ittapana Dhammalankara Thero, the Mahanayake of Kotte Sri Kalayani Samagri Dharma Maha Sangha Sabha said the legal sector of Sri Lanka must activate itself to put an end to attempts made to promote marijuna in Sri Lanka.

Mahanayaka of the Amarapura Sri Dharmarakshitha Maha Nikaya Ven. Trikunamale Ananda Thero said an attempt is being made to legalize marijuana under the guise of indegenious medicine.

Deputy President of the Temperance Movement Professor Anula Wijesundera said the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board already rejected a proposal by a US company to cultivate marijuana in Embilipitya for medical use and to export the product to the US via the State Pharmaceuticals Corporation of Sri Lanka.