A controversial practice of selling arrack on credit to plantation workers is fueling alcohol dependency, family conflicts, and growing fears that the social and educational future of plantation communities could be at serious risk.
Credit-based arrack sales raise alarm
Ilango Gandhi, leader of the All Lanka Progressive People’s Front, has warned that a troubling system of selling arrack on credit is spreading across Sri Lanka’s plantation sector. Speaking to the media on the 11th at the party office in Hatton, he said the practice is creating serious social and economic problems among plantation workers.
According to Gandhi, the plantation regions currently have a large number of liquor outlets. Some of these bar owners have introduced a credit system that allows estate workers to obtain arrack even when they do not have money.
He explained that this system is increasing alcohol consumption among plantation workers. Under normal circumstances, workers would purchase alcohol only when they had available cash. However, the credit arrangement enables them to drink even when they are financially struggling.
Families and workers facing growing hardship
Gandhi emphasized that this trend is causing serious consequences for estate families. Many plantation workers reportedly spend a large portion of their wages repaying alcohol debts accumulated through the credit system.
As a result, family disputes and domestic tensions are becoming more common in plantation communities. Women workers in particular are carrying heavier financial and emotional burdens as household income is diverted toward alcohol repayment.
Some estate workers have also complained that they are becoming increasingly dependent on alcohol because the credit system makes it easily accessible.
Gandhi warned that if this situation continues, plantation families may struggle to meet essential household expenses and support their children’s education. He added that the growing alcohol dependency could damage the future of the plantation community and undermine the educational opportunities of the next generation.
