Proposal on low-cost alcohol will result in higher mortality rates - ADIC

• 50 people die daily due to alcohol consumption

 By Sheain Fernandopulle   

Alcohol related deaths will reach a crisis point if the Excise Commissioner General’s proposal to introduce low-cost alcohol is implemented, the Alcohol and Drug Information Center (ADIC) warned yesterday, pointing out that alcohol consumption claims 50 lives daily in Sri Lanka.   

The proposal, aimed at curbing illicit alcohol, boosting tax revenue, and reducing health risks, is criticized by ADIC as ineffective and unsupported by evidence.  

In a statement, ADIC argues that cheaper alcohol will only increase consumption, reduce government revenue, and fail to eliminate illicit alternatives.   

Citing WHO data, they stress that alcohol has no safe limit and contributes to non-communicable diseases, higher mortality rates, and societal harm.   

Instead, ADIC advocates for higher alcohol taxes, proven to reduce consumption and improve public health, urging the government to prioritize regulation over accessibility.  

Meanwhile, the ADIC reports that alcohol consumption kills nearly 20,000 people annually in Sri Lanka.