Sri Lanka, Nov. 3 -- Six companies have been given the green light to cultivate cannabis and had been given 66 acres for the project, a prominent monk said over the week end.

Venerable Omalpe Sobitha Thera said this development has taken place amidst the launch of 'Ratama Ekata' programme to curb addiction and trafficking of drugs.

"President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has taken a step towards preventing drug trafficking and addiction the other day. This is an important decision made on behalf of future generations. However some 66 acres have been given to six companies to grow cannabis.

"Growing, keeping it in one's possession and importation of cannabis is prohibited under Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance no 17 of 1929. This legisla...