No casino licenses should be issued without a regulatory authority – Harsha

 

The Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance (COPF) MP Dr.Harsha de Silva states that a casino regulatory authority should immediately be established if licenses are to be granted for operating casinos within Sri Lanka.

Speaking in the parliament this morning (Nov.28), the SJB parliamentarian emphasized that the COPF did not grant approval for the regulations under the Casino Business (Regulation) Act, since the relevant bill is being brought for the first time to license and regulate casinos.

“No casino licenses are granted without a casino regulatory body in any country in the world”, he pointed out, adding that nevertheless, the minister has also been granted authority regarding the matter, through the Casino Business (Regulation) Act.

Moreover, MP Harsha de Silva mentioned that it is important to inform the committee at least roughly regarding when the relevant regulatory authority will be brought in.

Meanwhile the matter had been taken up when the COPF met recently, and the members of the Committee were of the opinion that it would be best to consider the approval after making it more effective for the development of the country, the President’s Media Division reported.