Srilanka, Jan. 30 -- In Sri Lanka, the consumption of arrack and beer is significant, with people spending as much as Rs. 690 million per day on these beverages, according to the Alcohol and Drugs Information Centre (ADIC).

However, 83% of preventable deaths in Sri Lanka are caused by NCDs such as heart diseases, cancer and respiratory illnesses.

The leading causes for the onset of NCDs are the consumption of alcohol and tobacco.

In 2022, the alcohol tax revenue was Rs. 165.2 Billion, while the losses caused by alcohol were Rs. 237 Billion, according to an UNDP study.

Every day in Sri Lanka, 40 to 50 people die because of alcohol, leading to 15,000 - 20,000 deaths each year. Most of these are men, leaving many children without their...