Liquor consumption in Uva increases

13 January 2017 01:36 pm

The Uva Province reported the consumption of 17 million litres of toddy, 4.4 million liters of government arrack and 4.3 million liters of beer in 2015, Uva Province Asst. Commissioner of Excise, D. H. C Silva said.

Statistics indicated that liquor consumption in the Province was increasing at a higher proportion each year, the official said.

However, the highest consumption of toddy, arrack and beer was reported from the estate sector, Bandarawela and Haputale areas. Silva also said that liquor consumption among women in the estate sector had increased.

In addition to illicit toddy, illicit liquor was also prevalent in the estate sector. “We are conducting raids continuously to stop the menace,” he said.  (Prasad Rukmal)