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Monks, native physicians call for legalising cannabis for medical purposes
by Saman Indrajith
The Sri Lanka Indigenous Medicine Confederation yesterday called on the government to legalise the use of cannabis to promote indigenous medicine.
Chairman of the Confederation Ven Bengamuwe Nalaka Thera yesterday said that even Buddha had preached the use of the plant for its medicinal use and, therefore, the government should think of legalising it for the promotion of indigenous medicine practices.
Addressing the media at the Sri Pangnananda Dharmayathana in Kelaniya Ven Nalaka Thera said that the indigenous medicinal practices, known as Hela Vedakama, had existed for generations in this country and had approved the medicinal use of the cannabis plant. “Because of the Covid-19 pandemic, the people have realised the value of indigenous medicinal practices unlike in the pre-pandemic times. It is time we considered promoting the traditional methods and the use of ancient wisdom for the benefit of the people. The government has a duty to understand the need for conducting more research on the traditional methods rather than blindly seeking solutions from western methods.”
Ven Nalaka Thera said that the value of indigenous medicine was that the country did not have to rely on imports for its ingredients that could be found locally so that a huge sum of monies spent for medicine could be saved.
The Thera said: “Cannabis is used as an ingredient in most of the indigenous medicine and some native doctors have given up producing them because of the shortage of the ingredient since it has been banned because it is abused as a narcotic. The colonial rulers knew that banning cannabis would deal a major blow on the traditional medicinal practices. It is a valuable medicine. Even the Buddha had approved its use for medicinal purposes. It is mentioned in the Bhesajjabandhaka of Mahavagga Pali that the vapour of cannabis boiled in water should be used to cure body pains. There are references in Tripitaka of the use of cannabis hemp to prepare a type of robes known as Bahngam robes. It is said that wearing that robe will cure some illnesses. Therefore, we point out to the government there is nothing wrong in using cannabis as a medicine.”
Secretary of the Confederation Indigenous doctor Sarath Kotteyawatte said that it was shown on media how the law enforcing agencies set fire to stocks of cannabis plants captured during raids. “While indigenous doctors give up producing medicine because of the shortage or no availability of the plant owing to the ban, kilos of captured plants are set on fire. It is the objective of our Confederation to promote indigenous medicine and uplift it to its former glory. The prevailing laws are a stumbling block and we call on the government to remove that hindrance.”
Traditional Indigenous doctor Nimal Warnasuriya: “The pharmaceutical mafia is very powerful. The biggest loser in legalising cannabis and promotion of indigenous medicine is the pharmaceutical mafia. The plant has not only been used as a medicinal ingredient but as a spice in preparing curries so that it would help promote the health of the people. That also helped immunity of children. Not only in indigenous medicine, even in Ayurveda it is an accepted fact. There are references in Robert Knox’s An Historical Relation of the Island Ceylon that the then Lankans used the plant for medicinal purposes. The government should rethink all of these and legalize the plant for its medicinal use.”
Executive Committee Members of the Federation Ven Anguruwelle Jinananda Thera, Ayurvedic doctor Anil Jayaweera and Matugama Seneviruwan also addressed the press.
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi departed today (06) from Air Force Base Anuradhapura concluding his State visit to Sri Lanka. The Indian Premier embarked on a tour to Sri Lanka at the invitation from President Anura Kumara Disanayake.
This visit underscores the enduring relationship encapsulated by the theme “Friendship of Centuries, Commitment to a Prosperous Future,” further solidifying the bonds between India and Sri Lanka.
This marks Prime Minister Modi’s fourth visit to Sri Lanka, which has further enhanced the economic, cultural, and historical relations between the two nations, while also reinforcing their multifaceted partnership. This visit by the Indian Prime Minister reinforces Sri Lanka’s important role in India’s “Neighbourhood First Policy” and ‘MAHASAGAR’ vision concerning diplomatic relations.
This state visit is anticipated to yield significant results on various collaborative initiatives, fostering a path towards mutual growth and development. The citizens of Sri Lanka will soon be able to witness the fruitful outcomes of these partnerships, and Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s visit will mark a significant milestone in the government’s pursuit of sustainable development focused on the needs of the people.
Accompanying Indian Prime Minister Modi were Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and a delegation of senior officials from the Indian government.
[PMD]
Latest News
President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system
The upgraded Maho–Omanthai railway line and the newly installed Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system were officially commissioned by Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and President Anura Kumara Disanayake today (06)
The Prime Minister of India is currently visiting Sri Lanka at the invitation of President Anura Kumara Disanayake, reinforcing the longstanding bond encapsulated in the theme “Friendship of Centuries Commitment to a Prosperous Future” between the two nations.
Highlighting one of the key aspects of this visit, the two leaders participated in these inaugural ceremonies. The President and the Prime Minister of India jointly unveiled the commemorative plaque and commissioned the railway line and signalling system.
The upgraded Maho-Omanthai Railway Line project was carried out with funding through the Indian Credit Line, totalling an investment of US$ 91.27 million. The Maho–Anuradhapura railway signalling system, established as a result of President Disanayake’s recent visit to India, was funded by the Indian Government at a cost of USD 14.89 million.
[PMD]
Latest News
Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, currently on a State visit to Sri Lanka, along with President Anura Kumara Disanayake paid homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura this morning (06) and received blessings.
Following his visit to the sacred site, Prime Minister Modi proceeded to the Udamaluwa, where he met with the Chief Incumbent of the Atamasthanadhipathi and Chief Sanghanayake of Nuwarakalaviya, Most Venerable Dr. Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thera, for a cordial discussion.
During the meeting, the Prime Minister shared that relics of the Buddha were discovered in excavations conducted in his home state of Gujarat during the 1960s. He further stated that he would discuss with the President of Sri Lanka the possibility of exhibiting these sacred relics in Sri Lanka.
Responding to a request made by the Atamasthanadhipathi to develop Bodh Gaya as a spiritual city, Prime Minister Modi assured that he would take the necessary steps after discussions with President Disanayake and work towards making it a reality.
The Maha Sangha, led by the Atamasthanadhipathi, chanted Seth Pirith and invoked blessings on the Indian Prime Minister.
The Indian Prime Minister also left a commemorative note in the special guest book at the site. In addition, he formally declared open the newly constructed ‘Makara Thorana’ within the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi premises.
The occasion was also attended by Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanweli Maha Seya Temple Ven. Ethalawetunawewe Gnanathilaka Thera and other Atamasthana Viharadhipathi Theras, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath, Minister of Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development, Wasantha Samarasinghe, Minister of Health and Mass Media Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa, North Central Province Governor Wasantha Jinadasa, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha and others.
[PMD]
Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi concludes State Visit to Sri Lanka
President Dissanayake and Indian PM Modi jointly commission upgraded Maho-Omanthai railway line & Maho-Anuradhapura railway signalling system
Prime Minister Modi and President Dissanayake pay homage to the sacred Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
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