The Alcohol and Drug Information Centre (ADIC) is calling for urgent amendments to the National Authority on Tobacco and Alcohol (NATA) Act, following concerns over the continued targeting of women and youth by the alcohol industry through advertisements and promotions. Despite regulations that prohibit alcohol and tobacco advertisements aimed at vulnerable groups, including women and youth, such marketing strategies persist, often under the guise of empowerment and women’s rights.
ADIC’s call for legislative reform comes after the results of a survey conducted to mark International Women’s Day 2025, highlighting the significant impact of alcohol on women in Sri Lanka. While alcohol consumption among women in the country remains relatively low, the survey revealed disturbing findings about the ways in which alcohol companies are marketing their products to women.
The ADIC survey found that 54 percent of women have experienced problems due to the alcohol consumption of others, with 43 percent facing psychological challenges as a result. Sixty-nine percent of women reported feeling uncomfortable in public spaces because of alcohol-related behaviour, and 64 percent believe their rights are being violated when alcohol companies use women in advertisements.
The survey also revealed that many women remain unaware of these marketing tactics, with 37 percent of respondents unaware that alcohol companies use women’s rights narratives to attract female consumers.
ADIC’s proposed amendments to the NATA Act aim to close loopholes in current regulations that allow alcohol companies to continue their targeting of women and youth. The proposed changes would strengthen the enforcement of the advertising ban and ensure that alcohol-related promotions are prevented from reaching vulnerable groups.
