Nearly all women demand action as survey links alcohol use to public harassment

The survey, conducted by the Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC) to mark International Women’s Day 2026, gathered responses from 1,157 women aged over 15 from all 25 districts.

More than half of respondents (54.2 percent) called for the establishment of a formal mechanism to submit complaints, address grievances and monitor legal action. A further 51.2 percent urged stronger implementation of alcohol control policies, while 47.5 percent supported expanded awareness programmes to educate the public about the consequences of alcohol misuse.

The findings also show that 66 percent of women believe alcohol is frequently used as an excuse to justify harassment in public places — a perception that researchers say reflects entrenched social attitudes.

The report reveals that 71 percent of women have felt unsafe in public spaces due to the presence of alcohol users. Public transport was identified as the most unsafe setting, with 77 percent reporting discomfort on buses and trains.

More than half (55.4 percent) reported verbal harassment, while 48.8 percent experienced being followed or stared at in ways that caused distress. Alarmingly, 36 percent reported non-consensual touching or physical harassment.

Despite these experiences, 66.2 percent said they did not respond due to fear. Others cited shame, lack of support and low confidence. Many reported changing daily routines — including avoiding certain places (67.3 percent) and altering travel times (55.4 percent) — while over 41 percent experienced mental distress.

Although female alcohol consumption in Sri Lanka remains low — around 1.2 percent according to national risk factor data — the survey argues that the social consequences of alcohol misuse disproportionately affect women’s safety and mobility.

The report calls for stricter enforcement of existing alcohol control laws and strengthening of the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) Act, alongside broader efforts to challenge the normalisation of harassment under the influence of alcohol.

The findings are expected to intensify public debate over alcohol regulation and the adequacy of protections available to women in public spaces.