A gamble with casinos - Editorial

27 November 2013 06:51 pm - 0 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

If wealth, property and possessions are giving us security, success, prestige and power in life, then it means we are worshipping money in the end. Indian writer and social activist Arundathi Roy has described this present trend as the fifth major religion in the world.

It is in such a global backdrop that plans to set up integrated resorts with casinos had stirred the pot in Sri Lanka in the last few months.

Amid protests, pressure, conflicts and controversy over such plans, Senior Minister Sarath Amunugama said on Monday that despite strong opposition by Buddhist prelates, the Rajapaksa regime should and would go ahead with plans to set up big casinos.

The minister bluntly said that the prelates and others did not fully understand development goals and if casinos were necessary to reach tourism targets then casinos should be there. There would be some rationale behind the minister’s speech if seen from a certain perspective, but is it the only viewpoint that should be considered?
Besides James Packer’s mixed development project and another similar project planned by a blue chip company, the Rajapaksa regime is also reported to be planning to turn Katana into a ‘casino city’ with as many as five such resorts. Though Economic Development Minister Basil Rajapaksa denied that there would be gaming business in the so-called integrated resorts, Opposition Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe revealed in Parliament last week that casinos would also be set up by a foreign company in collaboration with a local firm.

Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Nayaka Thera, who has been leading a courageous campaign against social evils and injustices, has called for a public rally to “Say no to casinos” on Thursday, December 5. The main Opposition United National Party (UNP), other parties and civic action groups are expected to join the protest over what they see as an evil trend which will promote related vices like prostitution, massage parlours, drugs syndicates and money laundering.

Yesterday Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, the Archbishop of Colombo, in a strongly-worded statement said the moves to set up casinos would threaten the spiritual mores of even the rural and traditional village of our motherland. He condemned the move to sell the spiritual and cultural dignity of Sri Lanka for financial gain. “The Sri Lankan soil fed by the religious traditions of the four world religions is not on sale, it must be told. And I call upon all those who cherish that to protect and oppose this move strongly and call upon the Government not to go ahead with these plans. Development, yes, but not at the price of our dignity,” the Cardinal said.

If the Catholic Church, the leaders of Hinduism and Islam would join Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Nayaka Thera’s protest next Thursday it would be an all-religious demand to the government. A demand that Sri Lanka’s hallowed culture and civilisation which has carried this country to great heights during two and a half millennia should not be put on the gambling table.

Mr. Amunugama and the others in the ruling alliance must be aware that for more than 2,000 years, it is the Maha Sangha that has given guidance and direction to the rulers of our country. Rejecting such advice would not be in the best interest of the country.

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 0

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

A gamble with casinos - Editorial

Comments - 0

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Gota fires back at Cardinal, rebuts allegations

Ranil Wickremesinghe caravan moves on despite barking dogs

Man who jumped off Sri Pada Uda Maluwa and went missing, found

Sri Lanka weighs Open Skies amidst plans for national carrier privatization

Racing event tragedy leaves seven dead including eight-year-old child

Uma Oya Development Project inaugurated

MIRROR CRICKET

Sahan Arachchige to lead Sri Lanka ‘A’

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Sri Lanka to establish new energy sector regulator

Cabinet nod to transfer China-built Mattala airport’s management to Indian, Russian joint venture

Sajith never attends dinners hosted by Ranil Wickremesinghe

One soldier dead, nine injured in road crash

Sahan Arachchige to lead Sri Lanka ‘A’

Dates confirmed for 78th Bradby Shield

SLAS appoints independent committee for investigation

Pakistan lose key players for last two T20Is against New Zealand