The Scourge of Alcohol Dependence in Sri Lanka
by Dr. Anula Wijesundere -October 4, 2016, 7:54 pm Consultant Physician
Vice President, Temperance Association of Sri Lanka
Alcohol is undoubtedly the commonest toxin consumed willingly the world over. In Sri Lanka, alcohol dependence is a major health and social problem. Most medical and social workers are aware of this problem. Unfortunately, few speak openly of this grave malady which is destroying our countrymen in the prime of their lives. Consumption of increasing amounts of alcohol over a period of time leads to the development of the "Alcohol Dependence Syndrome" characterized by deterioration of physical and mental health, inter personal relationships, moral and social standards, and the deterioration of economic status.
Buddhist perception of alcohol
2560 years ago, the Gauthama Buddha realized the evil of alcohol and advised his disciples to refrain from alcohol. In the Kumbha sutra, that he preached Kings Sarvamithra and Kosala, he indicated 48 evils of alcohol consumption. Refraining from alcohol and other intoxicants is the fifth precept of Buddhism. Unfortunately, most Buddhist males ignore this basic precept.
History of alcohol dependence in Sri Lanka
All evidence indicates that Sri Lankans did not consume alcohol for many centuries. In 1505, following the Portuguese invasion of Sri Lanka, they promoted greatly the drinking habit among the countrymen. In 1658, following the Dutch invasion, there was further promotion of alcohol consumption. In 1796, the British liberally issued liquor licenses to open up taverns all over the country. They increased state coffers by tax collections and promoted the drinking habit widely via the "Toddy act "of 1912.
Alcohol consumption rates in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka has a high consumption rate for alcohol. According to the WHO "Global alcohol trends" in 2014, the per capita consumption of alcohol was 3.7 litres for both sexes and 7.3 litres for males only. These figures account for use of licit or recorded alcohol only. However, it is well known that over 55% of alcohol consumed by males in Sri Lanka is unrecorded or illicit alcohol or Kassippu ( 8.9 liters ) The total per capita consumption of alcohol among males in Sri Lanka would therefore amount to 16 .2 liters. This is the highest among the SAARC countries.
A survey done by the Health Ministry in Sri Lanka in 2015 showed that 34.8 % of Sri Lankan males consume alcohol. However, the NATA (National Alcohol and Tobacco Authority) statement in 2016 indicates that 40 % of Sri Lankan males consume alcohol. Fortunately, the prevalence among Sri Lankan females is only 0.5%, and mostly involves the upcountry tea estate workers..
Alcohol, economics and health.
According to the chairman of NATA, the government spends as much as Rs. 140 billion (editorial – The Island 6 Aug 2016) annually on the treatment of patients suffering from non-communicable diseases mainly due to alcohol and victims of road traffic accidents from drunk driving. He debunks the theory of the alcohol industry that they increase the government coffers, as the revenue from taxes on alcohol amounts only toRs. 106 billion.
