Drug and tobacco use has emerged as one of the leading causes of death in Sri Lanka today. According to the latest data released by the Alcohol and Drug Information Center, nearly 22,000 people die each year in Sri Lanka due to tobacco use. This reflects an extremely serious public health situation.
Currently, 83 percent of all deaths in the country are attributed to non-communicable diseases, with tobacco use identified as one of the four major risk factors contributing to these conditions. As a result, tobacco-related deaths continue to place a heavy burden on the national health system.
Statistics related to tobacco addiction show a steady increase. Reports indicate that approximately 1.5 million adults in Sri Lanka are currently addicted to smoking. According to Dr. Ananda Ratnayake, Chairman of the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol, one death occurs every six seconds worldwide as a result of tobacco use. He further highlights that tobacco control efforts are being severely undermined by the subtle and persistent interference of the tobacco industry. It is particularly concerning that influential figures within the government, who repeatedly pledge to eradicate drugs, appear to ignore these realities despite the severity of the situation.
Health experts also point out that cigarette taxes have been reduced after 2021, a move that poses a significant obstacle to effective drug and tobacco control. Meanwhile, alcohol consumption continues to have a devastating impact on both the health and economy of the country. Recent surveys reveal that nearly 37 percent of total alcohol users in Sri Lanka consume illegal or counterfeit alcohol.
Chamil Muthukuda, Secretary of the Sri Lanka Public Health Inspectors Association, states that illegal alcohol consumption in the country has increased by approximately 300 percent. This development represents a major national crisis. Global data reports further indicate that total alcohol consumption in Sri Lanka has risen by about 95 percent. Illegal alcohol often contains highly toxic substances such as methyl alcohol and barium, which cause severe damage to internal organs and can lead to life-threatening illnesses. Health authorities warn that conditions such as liver failure, cirrhosis, kidney disease, and cancer are common consequences.
Beyond physical health deterioration, experts emphasize the growing social impact, including family disputes, mental stress, and social instability. The harm caused to children is particularly alarming, as they represent the future of the nation. With adults increasingly addicted to harmful substances, concerns are rising over the long-term impact on children and the country’s future. At present, a growing number of children and young people are also becoming addicted to drugs, highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
According to data from the Ministry of Health, between 15,000 and 20,000 deaths are reported annually—either directly or indirectly—due to alcohol consumption. This equates to approximately 40 to 50 deaths every day.
Health experts stress that the government must take immediate action and implement effective solutions before this crisis escalates further. Failure to act could lead to severe deterioration of the country’s healthcare system and economy. It is also emphasized that the government must demonstrate its commitment through concrete action rather than mere statements. The current administration was elected on a promise to eliminate drugs from the country, and it must ensure that its policies do not instead expose citizens to counterfeit alcohol and illegal substances, worsening public health and endangering the nation’s future.
By P.M. Sandali Sathsarani Ratnayake
