Cabinet Spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardena today refuted reports that a proposal had been presented to the Cabinet of Ministers on cultivating cannabis for export purposes.

Addressing the post-Cabinet media briefing, Minister Gunwardena informed that no such proposal had been put before the Cabinet of Ministers.

The minister’s remarks come in response to questions raised by the media over the statement made by State Minister of Tourism Diana Gamage in this regard.

State Minister Diana Gamage had yesterday claimed that the Cabinet had granted approval to cultivate cannabis for export purposes.

Refuting the statement, Cabinet Spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardena said as State Minister Diana Gamage is not a Cabinet Minister he cannot take responsibility for the statement.