By: Staff Writer
February 02, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka faces significant economic and health challenges due to alcohol consumption, with an annual economic loss of Rs. 241 billion, equating to 1.5% of the country’s GDP. According to a survey by the Alcohol and Drugs Information Centre (ADIC), Sri Lankans spend a staggering Rs. 1,210 million daily on arrack, beer, and cigarettes.
People aged 15 and above account for daily spending of Rs. 510 million on arrack, Rs. 180 million on beer, and Rs. 520 million on cigarettes.
In 2022, income generated from alcohol use was Rs. 165.2 billion, yet the health and economic costs were far higher, amounting to Rs. 237 billion. These costs include direct healthcare expenses as well as indirect factors such as absenteeism, presenteeism, and decreased productivity in the workforce.
The ADIC survey highlighted that Colombo had the highest percentage of alcohol users (35.8%), followed by Kandy (33.5%), while Jaffna had the lowest (21.4%). Beer emerged as the most consumed alcohol, representing 53.8% of alcohol use, followed by arrack at 42%.
Social events like parties and sports gatherings were found to be key triggers for alcohol consumption, with 35.6% of people reporting alcohol use initiation at such events, and 32.8% influenced by peer pressure.
Alcohol consumption leads to a significant public health burden in Sri Lanka, contributing to 4,201 deaths per 100,000 people annually from non-communicable diseases and injuries. Key causes include liver cirrhosis (2,880 deaths), road traffic accidents (675 deaths), and cancers (646 deaths).
The ADIC reports that 40 to 50 people die daily in Sri Lanka from alcohol-related causes, amounting to 15,000–20,000 deaths each year. Additionally, alcohol consumption has led to a 57% reduction in the labor force.
A public opinion poll conducted by ADIC across five provinces found strong support for more stringent alcohol policies. A majority of respondents (64%) felt that current laws were inadequate to protect against alcohol-related harm.
The poll also revealed that 93% of participants believed government involvement was essential in addressing alcohol-related issues.
Furthermore, 73% favored raising alcohol prices, 75% supported alcohol taxation, and 70% agreed that revenues from alcohol taxes should fund public services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.
The survey underscores the profound social and economic impacts of alcohol use in Sri Lanka, with the population largely advocating for stronger regulations and government intervention to reduce alcohol-related harm and mitigate its effects on public health and finances.
