All bets off on casinos says PM

Sticking fast to his election pledges, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremsinghe has during a business forum in Singapore, ruled out casinos investing in Sri Lanka and insisted his Government would not allow new gaming companies. 

Responding to investor questions during a forum held at the Shangri-la Hotel in Singapore on Tuesday as part of his tour Wickremesinghe insisted the current Government would not follow in the footsteps of its predecessor and allow international casino companies to invest in Sri Lanka. 

He had also added casinos were against the good governance policies followed by his Government and would not align with present policies directed towards development. Development Strategies and International Trade Minister Malik Samarawickrama and Foreign Minister Mangala Samaraweera made presentations on Sri Lanka’s current investment climate to several dozen representatives of top companies based in Singapore. 

Singapore Trade Minister S. Iswaran speaking at the forum had pointed out Sri Lanka is a safe and progressive destination for foreign investment. According to a media statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office he had also pledged the support of the Singapore Government to companies interested in starting ventures in Sri Lanka. 

Industries, tourism, energy, housing, construction and urban planning sectors were highlighted as presenting great opportunities for investment by the Sri Lankan Government at the forum. Government officials also emphasised assistance to foreign investors and said they would ensure a smooth environment for companies. Following the forum the Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore’s state-run Surbana Jurong who will draft the Master Plan for the Megapolis Project.