Video: Casinos only for foreigners - Minister

7 September 2015 11:40 am Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 15 Bookmark

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Newly appointed Tourism and Christian Religious Affairs Minister John Amaratunga said today he would consider introducing regulations to prevent locals from entering casinos.

He told the media after assuming duties at his ministry portfolio that casinos should be out of bounds for Sri Lankans and only foreigners be permitted their use.

The minister said this matter was severely criticised by religious leaders because gambling at casinos would have an adverse affect on the country's morality and social fabric.

“Currently, a few casinos operate in Sri Lanka but under my tenure no new casinos will be permitted. I will be considering new regulation to allow only foreigners to enter the existing casinos,” he said.

The minister said he would ensure that Tourism would bring the highest amount of foreign exchange to the country within a year.

He said the ministry would take measures to establish a proper institution to cater to foreign investors who which to invest money in local projects. (Piyumi Fonseka and Indika Aravinda)

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Comments - 15

Hassan Althaf Monday, 07 September 2015 05:42 PM

He is the best!

16 43

Shanika Monday, 07 September 2015 05:46 PM

Hope the same policy applies for the employees too: Foreigners only ;)

6 46

nafeelnawas Monday, 07 September 2015 06:01 PM

well done we reallyy appritiate you.You are a great leader

15 34

Koraliyan Monday, 07 September 2015 06:18 PM

Hon Minister, leave that decision to people. do you think we are all stupid. are we in saudi arabia ?

45 48

Channa Monday, 07 September 2015 06:25 PM

Why discrimination? Aiy api kaluda ?

9 43

cristo Monday, 07 September 2015 07:23 PM

Casinos will be the bait to lure the chinese fish ..they will bet on two raindrops running down a pane of glass ..If you want the chinese touists this is the way ..But it wont bring prosperity to the many, only the few

0 12

sach Monday, 07 September 2015 08:09 PM

Mahinda said the same :)

6 30

Sapu Monday, 07 September 2015 08:17 PM

Do you want Sri Lankan politicians wasting public money inside them?

5 34

Sapu Monday, 07 September 2015 08:18 PM

If Sri Lanakns are allowed in Politicians will waste stolen public money in them

5 23

DHA Monday, 07 September 2015 08:27 PM

Haaaaaa......I thought some time back these guys were shouting how is it possible to permit Casinos.....

3 29

Sanipa Monday, 07 September 2015 08:49 PM

Is this his job or does Casino come under finance or Ministry of Law and Order

1 13

justicia Monday, 07 September 2015 09:27 PM

What is the logic ? Then allow foreigners to paint the town red and you look away.

4 19

redlight Monday, 07 September 2015 09:29 PM

Do the same ,and open a red light district to earn foreign exchange. Where are your religious beliefs ?

2 29

Prakash Rajan Tuesday, 08 September 2015 07:46 AM

This move is stupid! It will make Sri Lankan punters go underground beside Sri Lankans are matured enough to decide!!!

2 7

Vasa Tuesday, 08 September 2015 10:29 AM

Minister please refrain from this disastrous act.it is is not in line with the Christian faith and any other religious teaching.Gambling has successfully ruined people be it foreigners or locals.

3 10

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