Cabinet Spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa today confirmed that seven foreign investors have been granted approval to cultivate cannabis exclusively for export, under strict government regulation. The announcement was made at the weekly Cabinet media briefing, marking the first time such a project will be implemented in the country.

Jayatissa said the approval was first granted in April 2024 by former State Minister Sisira Jayakody. While investor interest was strong, the project faced initial delays due to procedural shortcomings.

The cultivation initiative will be carried out only within designated investment zones, with no authorisation for traditional cannabis-growing areas. Jayatissa stressed that there are no plans to expand beyond these zones, as the location restriction ensures effective oversight and support for investors.

Licences, issued by the Ayurveda Department for six-month periods, will require clearance from multiple institutions, including the Ayurveda Department, the Ministry of Environment, and the Ministry of Defence. Jayatissa emphasised that the project is designed to be tightly regulated, with security and export controls as top priorities.

The Board of Investment (BOI) and the Ayurveda Department will jointly oversee the initiative, with authorities assessing land allocation, investment scale, and projected national benefits before granting final operational approval.