The Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC) has criticized a proposal by the Commissioner General of Excise to introduce lower-priced alcohol, claiming it will encourage increased alcohol consumption.
ADIC argues the move benefits alcohol companies under the guise of reducing illegal alcohol sales.
In its statement, ADIC cited the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation to raise taxes on alcohol and cigarettes as a proven strategy to control consumption. The organization supports higher excise taxes as a scientifically backed method to reduce alcohol use and limit new users.
ADIC highlighted that alcohol consumption is one of the top four risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which account for 8 out of 10 preventable deaths worldwide. In Sri Lanka alone, alcohol use is responsible for 50 deaths daily, amounting to nearly 20,000 annual fatalities.
The ADIC urged the Excise Department to focus on reducing harm from alcohol by improving tax collection and addressing illegal alcohol sales. It also called for strict action against fraudulent traders and measures to prevent the sale of illegal alcohol.
