Is Codeine legal in Sri Lanka?
- Legal status
- Codeine is a controlled prescription substance under Sri Lanka's drugs regime; it is not among the drugs named in the capital-manufacture/trafficking provision (Poisons, Opium and Dangerous Drugs Ordinance s.54A, which names morphine/cocaine/heroin/opium), so it sits below the capital tier (Sri Lanka also has a de facto moratorium since 1976).
- Consequences if caught
- Unauthorised possession or trafficking draws imprisonment and fines; codeine is not death-eligible.
- If prescribed or medical
- Dispensed as a controlled prescription medicine.
- Documentation
- Carry a prescription and original packaging; declare controlled medicines.
Drug laws and enforcement change and vary within a country. This is not legal advice. Always confirm with Sri Lanka’s embassy or official drug authority before traveling; penalties can be severe, including imprisonment.
Before you travel
Verify current rules with the destination country’s official drug authority and your own country’s embassy before traveling. Find the destination’s U.S. embassy & official country guidance →
Non-U.S. travelers: check your own government’s travel advisory and embassy.
If you’re detained or arrested abroad
Contact your own country’s embassy or consulate in the destination immediately — not the destination’s authorities. U.S. citizens: contact the nearest U.S. embassy/consulate and the U.S. State Department at +1-202-501-4444 (from abroad). If a U.S. citizen is arrested or detained abroad →