Abstract:
The study was undertaken to describe the alcohol consumption pattern and people's attitude
towards alcohol, and to determine the extent of some health and socio-economic problems
related to alcohol consumption in the gampaha district and to assess the burden of problems
related to alcohol consumption on government hospitals and the police department.The
findings suggest that if state interventions aimed at reducing alcohol consumption are to be
effective existing laws should be enforced more effectively to reduce the availability of
Kasippu.Educational programmes should be implemented to educate the drinkers about
sensible/'safe' drinking.Special programmes should be targeted at young males from lower
social calsses and the catholic church could play a role in reducing alcohol consumption in
the catholic community.Counselling services should be made available at or near police
stations to deal with marital problems reported to the police and to help people with
problems related to alcohol consumption.
