Sri Lanka faces Rs. 237 billion annual burden due to alcohol-related health issues

By Poojathmi Rivithma

The Sri Lankan government incurs an annual cost of Rs. 237 billion to address health problems linked to alcohol consumption, highlighting the significant social, economic, and health challenges posed by alcohol, according to the Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC).

Its Executive Director, Sampath De Seram, stated that global estimates suggest that alcohol consumption causes nearly 3 million premature deaths annually. Alarmingly, 8 out of 10 of these fatalities are preventable and linked to non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

In Sri Lanka, alcohol is a leading contributor to NCDs such as heart disease, cancer and respiratory illnesses.

De Seram noted that alcohol consumption in Sri Lanka is responsible for the deaths of 50 individuals each day, translating to an annual toll of between 15,000 and 20,000 lives.

In 2022, while the government generated Rs. 165 billion in revenue from alcohol taxes, the overall economic cost of alcohol consumption reached Rs. 237 billion, far surpassing the revenue generated. A report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) revealed that the financial and health costs associated with alcohol use continue to overshadow any potential revenue, raising concerns about the broader impact on the economy and public health.

The alcohol industry continues to promote its products unethically and illegally, targeting all demographics, including children and youth—the future of the nation. By appealing to young people, these companies aim to encourage early drinking and attract new customers to offset losses from preventable deaths and a decline in overall alcohol consumption.