Sri Lanka has witnessed a marked reduction in alcohol consumption during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festival, leading to a decrease in associated conflicts and quarrels, according to findings from a recent survey conducted by the Alcohol and Drug Information Center (ADIC).
The survey, spanning across all nine provinces of Sri Lanka and comprising 415 individuals, shed light on the changing dynamics of alcohol consumption during the festive season. Of the participants, 46.2% were female, and 53.7% were male.
A striking 70.8% of respondents reported a decrease in incidents of conflict and quarrels linked to alcohol use compared to the previous year, signaling a positive trend in public behavior during the festivities.
Moreover, a significant proportion—64% of participants—acknowledged a reduction in alcohol consumption during this year's celebrations compared to the preceding year, indicating a shift towards more responsible drinking habits.
When queried about the factors influencing this decline, respondents cited various reasons, with 71.5% attributing it to the increase in alcohol prices. Additionally, familial opposition, concerns about health implications, changing perceptions regarding alcohol's utility, and decreased availability were cited as contributing factors.
Despite stringent regulations under the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) Act prohibiting alcohol and tobacco advertising, a concerning revelation emerged from the survey. A notable 71.4% of respondents reported encountering alcohol or beer promotions on social media platforms, raising questions about the efficacy of existing regulatory measures in curbing such practices.
