Scientists Warn of Rising Cancer, Mental Health, and Youth Addiction Risks
The Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists has voiced strong opposition to the government’s decision to introduce a low-priced alcoholic products into the market, reports the Daily Mirror. In a public statement, the College criticised the move for threatening people’s health and undermining alcohol prevention efforts. Their concerns focus on cancer risk, mental health outcomes, and the increased vulnerability of adolescents to alcohol addiction.
The Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists is the successor to the Sri Lanka Psychiatric Association and has been in existence since 2003.
Though relatively young, the College has contributed to vast strides Sri Lanka made in mental health services and in changing public perception of mental health. Improving mental health services throughout the country with special emphasis on promoting services in the war affected regions, and publishing the Sri Lanka Journal of Psychiatry as well as working with the government of Sri Lanka to implement a more modern and humane mental health act are a few of the activities the College is actively involved in.
Low Prices, High Risk: Alcohol Fuels Preventable Cancers
According to the Daily Mirror, the College emphasised that alcohol is the third leading cause of preventable cancers worldwide. In fact, consuming even low doses of alcoholic products, such as one or two units per day, raises the risk of developing cancer. This fact challenges the commonly held but inaccurate belief in “safe” alcohol use. Furthermore, this aligns with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) statement:
No level of alcohol use is safe for our health.”
World Health Organisation
Adolescents at Risk: Increased Access Fuels Early Alcohol Use
A core concern raised by the Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists is that low-priced alcohol will become more accessible to adolescents, reports the Daily Mirror.
For example, a recent survey found that 39.3% of people who have used alcohol began doing so before age 14.
Making alcohol cheaper increases the likelihood of early initiation, which heightens the risk of developing alcohol use disorder later in life.
Price Reductions Drive Higher Consumption Across All Groups
It is evident that lowering the price of alcohol leads to greater alcohol use across all segments of society.
For instance, according to Movendi International, data from Scotland showed a 7.7% decrease in household alcohol purchases following the introduction of minimum unit pricing (MUP).
The reduction was most significant among households that previously bought the most alcohol. These findings illustrate that alcohol pricing policies can effectively reduce high-risk alcohol use – when alcohol becomes less affordable.
But the government’s idea is to do the opposite: make alcohol more easily affordable – which will also have the opposite effects of what Scotland achieved.
Mental Health Impact: Alcohol Use Linked to Suicide and Psychological Harm
Alcohol severely affects mental health. According to the Daily Mirror, the College warned that psychological disorders and suicide rates are closely tied to alcohol consumption.
In fact, Movendi International highlights similar concerns, noting that alcohol use contributes to depression, anxiety, and long-term psychological morbidity.
These outcomes not only affect individuals but also place added pressure on national health systems and community well-being
Policy Tools Work: Raising Prices Prevents Harm
Public health research consistently shows that increasing alcohol prices is one of the most effective and cost-efficient strategies for preventing alcohol harm.
According to Movendi International, doubling alcohol taxes in the WHO European region for example could prevent more than 10,000 cancer cases.
Drawing on similar research, scientists in Sri Lanka warn that reducing prices will increase harm, expand access, and weaken national prevention efforts.
Protecting Health Must Be the Priority
The government has a responsibility to protect people’s health and well-being. Introducing low-priced alcoholic products contradicts the need for evidence-based, community-first policies.
As the Sri Lanka College of Psychiatrists and global health experts emphasise, placing common sense limits on the availability and affordability of alcohol is essential for preventing harm and safeguarding the health of current and future generations.