Sri Lanka faces a rising threat from the nexus of alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis, posing significant risks to public health and societal wellbeing. Experts warn that these industries, driven by profit motives, continue to evolve their strategies, targeting vulnerable populations such as youth and women.
The Center for Combatting Tobacco (CCT), Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC), and National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) urge policymakers to adopt a stricter stance to mitigate the long-term consequences of substance abuse in the country.
At a forum held recently , these organizations highlighted the concerning trends in substance use and abuse.
They criticized the tobacco industry’s recent windfall following a cigarette price hike, which, despite reducing consumption to two billion sticks, is expected to boost profits by over Rs. 7 billion.
Alarmingly, global tobacco manufacturers are reportedly aligning with cannabis producers to promote products under the guise of innovation, threatening public health under the pretext of business growth.
CCT Director Dr. Mahesh Rajasuriya explained that the cannabis industry complements the cigarette market.
He expressed concern about the promotion of electronic products containing cannabis and other flavored additives designed to attract women and children.
He also warned against the involvement of tobacco and cannabis companies in research, education, and health initiatives to legitimize their products.
The forum included experts from the National Dangerous Drugs Control Board, Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA), and other professional bodies.
They unanimously condemned any attempts to reduce alcohol prices, arguing that it would not deter consumers from illicit products but might instead lower the price of illegal alternatives.
SLMA President Dr. Anula Wijesundera discussed the ongoing efforts to introduce draft regulations restricting access to tobacco for individuals born after 2010.
She also emphasized the World Health Organization’s (WHO) declaration in 2023 that no amount of alcohol consumption is safe, urging the Government to reconsider any measures that could encourage its use.
NATA Chairman Dr. Alan Ludowyke highlighted the alarming rise in oral tobacco consumption, which is a leading cause of oral cancers and related diseases. He reiterated that tobacco remains the world’s largest preventable killer, with no safe level of usage.
Further, A.T. Darshana from the Dangerous Drugs Control Board presented data revealing a staggering 200% increase in drug abuse, including methamphetamine, with worrying levels of involvement among women and children.
While alcohol and tobacco sales contribute over 15% of Sri Lanka’s tax revenue, experts at the forum contested the notion that these industries are indispensable for the Treasury. Instead, they called for urgent policy changes to prioritize health over profits and curb the devastating effects of substance abuse.
