Local

Rise in alcohol, drug abuse among pregnant mothers in coastal areas

Friday, 04 July 2025 - 6:05 pm

There is an increase in alcohol and drug use among pregnant mothers living along Sri Lanka’s coastal areas including Dehiwala, Mount Lavinia, Ratmalana, Moratuwa and Egoda Uyana, thus raising serious conce s, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia Municipal  Council Opposition Leader and Specialist Dr. Chamal Sanjeewa said.

Dr. Sanjeewa explained that many of these women have become involved in alcohol and drug use, as well as in the trade itself, which is common along the country’s coastal belt. He said this situation is a major public health problem and cannot be handled by the health sector alone.

“This problem needs the support of the Ministry of Public Security and other gove ment departments, along with social services,” he added.

He also revealed that most of these pregnant women avoid registering themselves with health officials or visiting hospitals for check-ups, which makes it hard for medical teams to give them proper advice and care. Many of them, he said, also refuse to go to hospitals to give birth or to get vaccines for their children after delivery.

Dr. Sanjeewa pointed out that the high rate of alcohol and drug use in these areas has led to poor health conditions among the people compared to other parts of the country.

He further said that many of these mothers are victims of domestic violence, as their husbands are often addicted to drugs and alcohol or are involved in drug trafficking.

Dr. Sanjeewa called on the authorities to urgently introduce a special programmes to help and rehabilitate pregnant mothers affected by alcohol, drugs and domestic abuse. He wa ed that failing to act now could lead to a serious public health crisis in these communities.