The Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC) has expressed strong opposition to a proposal by the Commissioner General of Excise to introduce alcohol at a reduced price.
In its statement, the ADIC argues that the proposal, under the guise of curbing illegal alcohol sales, is designed to boost alcohol consumption, thereby benefitting alcohol companies. The organization references the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recommendation to increase taxes on alcohol and cigarettes as a proven strategy to reduce consumption.
The ADIC emphasized that raising excise taxes is a scientifically validated method to lower alcohol usage and deter new users. It noted that alcohol is among the top four risk factors for non-communicable diseases (NCDs), which account for 80% of preventable deaths globally.
In Sri Lanka, alcohol consumption leads to approximately 50 deaths daily, totaling nearly 20,000 fatalities annually, the ADIC stated.
The organization urged the Commissioner General of Excise and the department to prioritize harm prevention by ensuring proper tax collection and tackling the illegal alcohol trade. It also called for decisive actions to remove illicit alcohol from the market, hold fraudulent businesses accountable, and implement preventive measures to curb future illegal activities.
