Is Weed Legal in Sri Lanka?

Last reviewed: August 6, 2026

Recreational marijuana is illegal in the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Cannabis (locally ganja, kansa) falls under the Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance No. 17 of 1929 (as consolidated by Ordinance No. 43 of 1935 and subsequent amendments), administered by the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board (NDDCB) and enforced by the Police Narcotics Bureau and Sri Lanka Customs.

Possession of any quantity is criminal. Penalties scale with quantity: under 5 grams may be summarily dealt with, while possession of 2 grams or more of resinous concentrate or larger ganja quantities can trigger 5 to 20 years' imprisonment and substantial fines. Trafficking offenses involving 5 kilograms or more historically attracted the death penalty, currently subject to a moratorium and commuted to life imprisonment. The Ayurveda Act No. 31 of 1961 (as amended) creates a parallel licensed channel for registered Ayurvedic practitioners and Department of Ayurveda dispensaries, but recreational possession remains entirely prohibited.

This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Verify current law with qualified counsel before making compliance decisions.