Sri Lanka has a notably low rate of alcohol consumption and smoking among women, according to the Alcohol & Drug Information Centre (ADIC). However, alcohol and tobacco companies are increasingly targeting women through various promotional strategies.
ADIC Executive Director Sampath De Seram highlighted that 54% of women encounter alcohol promotions in movies, while 43% see them on Facebook, 29.3% on TikTok, 20.2% on YouTube, and 16% on Instagram. Traditional media, events, and social gatherings also contribute to exposure.
A recent ADIC survey of 1,000 women across 25 districts revealed:
- 54% of women have faced issues due to others’ alcohol consumption.
- 43% experience mental and psychological challenges as a result.
- 69% have felt discomfort in public spaces due to alcohol-related behavior.
- 64% believe women’s rights are violated when alcohol companies use women for promotions.
ADIC calls for a national action plan to counter industry narratives, raise awareness from childhood, and empower women to resist alcohol-related harassment.
