Liquor Bar in close proximity to schools

Location: Debarawewa Junction, Tissamaharama, Hambantota District

Date of observation: 16th July 2025

Reported by: Ruchira Madushan

Overview:

The “Vidula Wine Stores” liquor bar located near the Debarawewa Junction in Tissamaharama Town of the Hambantota District is located in close proximity to two schools.

Location details:

• The observed liquor bar is located at a 50 meters distance from the Debarawewa National School and at 1.5 km distance from Debarawewa Presidents College.
• Numerous tuition classes are found in close proximity to this liquor outlet.

Implications and concerns:

• The presence of a liquor bar in such close proximity to educational institutions poses serious risks to the safety and wellbeing of school-going children and youth. This close proximity may normalize the presence and use of alcohol in the daily lives of young people, increasing the likelihood of early initiation and experimentation.
• Furthermore, the high density of tuition classes in the area means a large number of students frequent the vicinity throughout the day and into the evening, further exacerbating the exposure.
• There is also a concern that such placements are not accidental but part of broader marketing strategies that indirectly target young audiences by situating alcohol establishments in areas frequented by youth.