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Health professionals up in arms over alternative to ‘Kasippu’
Colombo, March 13 (Daily Mirror) - Medical professionals have strongly opposed the Excise Department's plan to introduce a lower-priced alcohol product calling it a move that will fuel consumption rather than curb illicit alcohol use.
The proposal, first announced in December 2024, was reintroduced at the Parliamentary Committee on Public Finance (COPF) meeting on March 9, despite public and professional opposition, including from the Sri Lanka Medical Association (SLMA).
Officials argue that a cheaper legal alternative would reduce illicit alcohol consumption, increase government revenue, and protect consumers’ health.
However, Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC) counters that such measures historically have led to increased alcohol use. Citing past experiences, they highlight that a 50% beer tax reduction in 1996 resulted in a 200% surge in beer consumption without addressing illicit alcohol concerns.
ADIC warns that the move would primarily shift consumers from higher-taxed alcohol to the cheaper alternative, ultimately reducing government tax revenue while increasing overall alcohol consumption.
In addition, they argue that lower-priced legal alcohol would not deter illicit alcohol producers, who would simply adjust their prices to remain competitive.
Highlighting global research, ADIC stresses that higher alcohol taxes are the most effective strategy to reduce consumption and related harm.
The organization urges authorities to focus on enforcing taxation, cracking down on illicit trade, and aligning policies with public health priorities rather than catering to industry interests.
Meanwhile, GMOA Media Spokesman Dr. Chamil Wijesinghe told Daily Mirror that their organization is anyway against any move to promote any form of alcohol.
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