Consumption of hooch in SL increases by 300% in recent years – Opp. MP

By Kurulu Koojana Kariyakarawana   

The consumption of illicit liquor in Sri Lanka during the last couple of years has increased by 300%, which has also become a chief reason for the health indexes to perform low, an Opposition MP raised a point in the house yesterday.   

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) Parliamentarian Gayantha Karunatilleka pointed out that the consumption of ‘Kasippu’ or illicit liquor has risen significantly in the recent times, which is by 300%.   

The Opposition MP said according to the World Health Organization (WHO) reports, the use of alcohol has increased by 95% in Sri Lanka, whereas it is generally 55% in many other countries.   

Taking part at the Health Ministry’s committee stage debate on the 2021 appropriation bill, MP Karunatilleka said the tendency for the public to end up in many chronic diseases presently is the high consumption of illegal booze.   

He said because of the thriving illicit liquor industry the government too has lost a staggering amount of revenue as tax money.   

“There should be a national policy to regulate this industry and the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) was established in 2006 to gather data related to this issue and formulate policies. But it does not seem to be working,” the MP said.     

• The tendency for the public to end up in many chronic diseases presently is the high consumption of illegal booze