"Two of James Packer’s company officials were in Colombo last week. They negotiated for tax breaks with government officials for the proposed casino complex."
Dr. De Silva, quoting a news story that appeared in The Financial Review (Australia), said Crown Chief Executive Rowen Craigie and Chief Financial Officer Ken Barton had been in Sri Lanka inspecting the proposed site at D. R. Wijewardene Mawatha and held talks with Government officials. "However, they had not given specific details of the discussions. According to these reports they sang the praises of the island nation."
The UNP MP said that plans were being drawn to set up a mega casino industry in the country despite denials by the government. "This government is double-faced. It should be given the gold medal for duplicity. When government ministers met the Mahanayakes, promises are given that they will not set up casinos here. But, in the meantime, the government moves ahead at full speed to get gambling tycoons to set up a massive casino project. We will not tolerate this kind of social evil."
Ratnapura District UPFA MP Ranjith De Soysa: "It was the UNP that brought casino here. Today, it is shedding crocodile tears.
Investment Promotion Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said that the government would soon table the casino Bill in the House and Dr. de Silva’s queries would be answered then.
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