Alcohol has long been a scourge of Sri Lankan fishing villages but now a group of Catholic men, all recovering alcoholics, has launched a program to help others like them.

Taxi driver Sunil is one. Ten years ago he drank arrack and coconut toddy day and night and caused problems in his peaceful village. Now recovering, he assists others to overcome their own addictions.

“We are ashamed of those sinful days,” Sunil, 40, a taxi driver in Katuneriya, a Sri Lankan fishing village. “We went from hell to heaven and now we help others.”

Sunil and the other Catholic men in his group meet every Sunday in a Church program to help other addicts rebuild their lives.

The problem is acute and widespread. A report from Sri Lanka’s National Dangerous Drug Control Board has also linked the problem to high local suicide rates.

Priests from St. Anthony’s parish originally introduced Sunil and others to the Alcoholics Anonymous mutual aid program.

“Drinkers and smokers come to our meetings, listen to our experiences and correct their lives,” says Vincent, a 48, who first starting drinking arrack at the age of 15.

Every month two or three new people arrive who are introduced to counseling and medication programs.

About 90 parishioners have changed their lives for better through the program, says Vincent, a father of three. Most have returned to their families and occupations while a core group continues to meet every week.

Parish priest, Father Sunil Wijesinghe, is proud of his group and encourages their efforts.

“The outcome is very good,” he said.

The St. Anthony’s group is now visiting neighboring parishes to extend their program.

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