Abstract:
A campaign to outspread the use of alcohol was considered by
colonial rulers as a way of enrichment, and they strove to popularise
it in every possible manner. This approach resulted in an increased
demand for alcohol from workers, while the profit from these ventures
enriched a sector of the indigenous population.
‘Fleecing the last penny’ seemed to be the foundation, on
which the colonials based their economic policy. As was traditional
amongst the colonial elite, alcohol and beer were served at celebratory
functions. Some groups in the society and social workers opposed
to the increased use of alcohol amongst the population and objected
via public protests, but the government considered this as a source
of increased revenue.
Popularising alcohol would steadily lead to disastrous social
consequences. Aim of the present study is to find whether a directlink
prevailed between heavy drinking and violence. To realize this
objective, this research study utilisedprimary and secondary sources
from original booklets written on the subject obtained from Sri Lankan
Museum Library, National Archives in Sri Lanka, and London British
library. Data analysis and other collected information revealed a direct
link between the increased use of alcohol and violence, which led to
a radical change in the society.
