Liquor consumption increases

10 May 2011 07:35 am

Irrigation Minister Nimal Siripala de Silva said addiction to drugs and the consumption of liquor were increasing alarmingly in rural areas and also among the people in upcountry estates and women were also among them.

Addressing a seminar in Badulla, the minister said drunkenness had become a social issue and a large percentage of the population including women in the Mahaweli Zone represented by him was also alcoholics.

A recent survey conducted by the World Bank has revealed that the consumption of liquor is one of main reasons for poverty, the minister added.
(Palitha Ariyawansa-Badulla)