28 March, 2024

Blog

Ranil Says No To Casinos

Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has declared that there will be no room for casinos in Sri Lanka.

Ranil W 18 07 2016 Pic sent by PM MediaSpeaking at an event held at the Shangri-La hotel in Singapore on Tuesday, Wickremesinghe underscored that his government will not permit any casino to be built in the country.

He made this statement in response to a question raised by a businessman at the meeting, as to whether the Sri Lankan government encourages casino investments.

“There is absolutely no room for new casinos in Sri Lanka. The Government’s policy is against casinos,” Wickremesinghe underscored.

Singapore Trade and Industry Minister S. Easwaran who also addressed the gathering which included high profile business leaders from Singapore invited business leaders to take advantage of the very conducive environment that is taking shape in Sri Lanka. “There is an environment where investors can invest with confidence,” he said.

He also added that the Singaporean Government will extend its support to Sri Lanka in its development plans.

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

Latest comments

  • 24
    10

    Well done Ranil. Well done Maithiri.
    Sri Lanka should stick to real ethos of Theravada Buddhism.

    • 15
      5

      Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe

      RE: Ranil Says No To Casinos

      “Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has declared that there will be no room for casinos in Sri Lanka.”

      Thank you, Sir. That is the correct move.

      Sri Lankans do not need casinos, and the corruption and the vices that accompany casinos.

      If anybody wants to Gamble, take drugs and get laid, let them go elsewhere.

      • 6
        0

        Ranilthuma is quite right. Sri Lanka – Miracle of Asia – does not need any casinos.

        After all life itself is a gamble in this island paradise. Short odds if you are a Tamil, slightly longer for the others, best odds for the Sinhalese.

        Drugs? No problem, we have them everywhere, Attidiya, Galle, Hikkaduwa, Negombo (actually the Drug King has his mansion there). In Kalutara, you can even get it near the bodhiya. In Mattukuliya they do buy one get one free.

        Prostitution? Colombo 3 and 5 for the higher class, Pettah for the lower class. In Kandy you can do it near the Maligawa to the sound of drums.

        So, Amarasiri is right. WE do NOT need casinos. Everything the casinos do, we already have.

        The more interesting question is, WHO IS MAKING MONEY out of these exciting services NOW? Some know the answer but won’t tell.

      • 1
        1

        Thank you Amarasiri for shedding your wolf’s clothing.You and Ranil are from the same pack baying the tune of CIA and the Vatican.
        anil gets headlines for decrying Cassinos. His Uncle legalised Race horse betting in 1982 against protests from Buddhists . Ranil Wickramasinghe the prime minister anddefacto ruler of this countr, if he has an iota of respect for decency should delegitimise all forms of gambling and betting.
        May I ask what Amarasiri’s stand is on the bond scandal in which his Protagonist is heavily involved.

        • 0
          0

          Don Juan Dharmapala,

          “May I ask what Amarasiri’s stand is on the bond scandal in which his Protagonist is heavily involved”

          Just read Amarisiri’s posts on the Bond Scandal. Amarasiri wanted fill exposure and wanted to know why Mahenderan cannot be replaced.

          Finally he was replaced by a person with a Ph.D. in Economics. Hopefully he will work out better. RW had to be told repeatedly and finally Srisena moved.

          By the way, how are Portuguese Imperialists and Colonialists doing these days?

    • 4
      15

      Non PhD,

      Real ethos of Theravada Buddhism is soon to be forced into Hinduism with the India-factor.

      Casinos, in spite of bad Karma, would have let us off the Indian alignment a bit.

      It’s all a gross catch-22 situation.

      The most Buddhistic way forward is of course : VAT. But Ranil and co. don’t have the guts to go after the Real VAT payees (the Elite). So we will have to sell ourselves either to India or China in lieu (China being the preferable, but for US interests).

    • 1
      0

      Gambling with the motive of greed or pleasure is discouraged in every mainstream faiths, not just confined to Theravada Buddhism; however, I acknowledge that Buddhism is prominent in explaining the negative effects and suffering from gambling, whereas Islam may have religious laws prohibiting gambling. Jesus made enemies that might have instigated his death because he objected all sorts of gambling and trade by businessmen that occupied the Temple.

      It is the HOUSE of Business or the BANK that always ends up rich, and not the punter; odds are heavily stacked against the latter.

      Some people shows-off their ill-gotten money that they may want to waste for pleasure in casinos; if they genuinely worked hard to earn them, they would have more respect for the money and not throw it away like confetti. But more often gambling hits the poor harder, because they gamble with a motive of taking home an extra return for the family, but end up with even losing their hard earned wages leaving nothing for the family. The immense suffering this causes to the poor is incalculable. Big casinos or the seedy joint at street corners do equal harm to the society in the name of circulating money.

      Coming from a politician, if RW’s statement is genuine and honest, then it is much welcomed.

  • 8
    0

    Now all the culprits will make every efforts to paint the picture in favour of them as it is the case sofar.

  • 17
    14

    Ranil is a Gentlemen with International experience. Sira and MR cannot speak in foreign forums or take part in high profile discussions. Only thing Sira and MR does is nod their heads.

    • 11
      6

      Lol! Get brain surgery!

    • 9
      8

      Gentleman , who ransacked the Central bank…

      • 3
        1

        CENTRAL BANK?

        You mean the Janadhipathi Mawatha Casino.

    • 1
      3

      MUD SON SILVA

      Ranil is a gentleman. Accept (afraid, he’s behaving to lose the title)

      Though people like him or not, MR is equally good in it.

      It’s good to remove colored glasses and look at people/things.

    • 2
      0

      Mudson Silva
      I pity you. . You must have listened to his impromptu speeches and conversations. He is on man in politiccs who stumbles whether in English or Sinhal. Any one who if fluent in English realises his paucity of nuance of English language.
      Being attired in a Tie and Coat cannot hide his glaring inadequacies.
      He is no match to the previous leaders of UNP- Atulathmudali. Gamini Dissanayake, Gamani Jyasuria,Cyril Matthew.
      Theis man ‘s whose only qualifications to political leadership are hi relationship to J R Jayawardena. untimely demise of true leaders of UNP0- Lalith and Gamini-,forefeet that kept him as the only leader of oppsition in any democracy in the world for 23 years- that is CIA and Roman Vatican Church.

    • 0
      0

      Uncle Mudson, Nowadays we see in parliament how much Ranil is being ‘international’ and ‘gentlemen’ with his “koheda yanne malle” type answers when an opposition MP raised a question. In the past, we experienced his “mastery” during his premiership in 88/89 with infamous ‘Batalanda’ followed by ‘peace agreement’ with LTTE. So much to the diplomacy of Ranil Wickremesinghe. You must be not Mudson Silva but Moda-sun Silva. Your type of olden thinking would not bring any good to the PM Ranil or Sri Lanka.

      • 0
        0

        But be happy, today, we see there is a PM in this country. In the days of your god father… only Rajakashes were able to voice in the parliament. You cant achieve all these wihtin shorter period of time. You guys should go n easting grass further… then only we the right respecting… people seesome differences today towards the good goverannce than had been in the past under your Mafia kings rule.

  • 8
    8

    Politicians are siomply rapaing the country.

    Thousands of liquor shops are owned by politicians, Liquor importation is owned by politicians.

    Casinos were initiated by Ranil.

    Now, probably said no to expansion.

    So, this is false propaganda.

  • 8
    4

    What about the casinos already in operation?
    Does Ranil know which government gave licence for the existing casinos that operate in Sri Lanka?

    This is idiocracy another form of Yahapalana democrazy.
    Whom is Ranil attempting impress? When did he become a Dharmista seeing how he behaves & speaks in parliament? Did he not promise (01)m jobs?
    Investor will come if there are returns only.

    To govern casinos, there need to be firm internal supervision on regulations in place.
    Apparently, Yahapalanaya seems incapable of drawing up regulations to monitor casinos.
    Another lost opportunity.
    First chased away James Packer & now the singapore investors.
    Jaya Wewa.

  • 3
    0

    I suppose it would be undemocratic to close down the existing Casinos, so is this a subtle way of protect them? Of course he can tax the currently operating casinos a bit more & lessen the burden on poor people, after all the punters who patronize these casinos don’t mind throwing their money.

  • 5
    2

    Oh boy, what a bad idea?

    Isn’t it a good source of income for the state?

    Let gamblers play and earn money; the poor can be given relief.

  • 4
    2

    jim softy raised some points : “Thousands of liquor shops are owned by politicians, Liquor importation is owned by politicians. Casinos were initiated by Ranil “

    I understand some from the armed forces stationed in North & East are into illicit drugs smuggling.

    If these are right what are Gnanasaras & joint opposition doing ?

    Why Mahanayakas in Kandy & other places keeping mum.

  • 9
    0

    Q: How do you make a small fortune in Sri Lanka.

    A: Invest a big fortune.

    Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.

  • 2
    1

    Key operating word, No ‘New’ Casinos.

    Existing can play along. I am told no Srilankan in allowed in most of them. Only the non-Srilankans ( obvious ).

    A win-win and win for the Govt. ( Now new casinos, existing ones ok and then only to Non-Srilankans ).

    • 11
      1

      “”Now new casinos, existing ones ok and then only to Non-Srilankans ). “”

      Sri Lankan the island of domestic workers!

      if not his muslim ba** carriers would turn their tops.
      now it would be more kuddu from pakistan for the rest.

  • 6
    2

    The biggest casino is owned by the Government, that is Sri Lanka Lottery Board. Only the rich guys can go to casinos and gamble. Lottery Board which has introduced daily draws is the casino for ordinary folks. Lot of people are now addicted to lottery and spending lot of money. Not allowing new casinos could be a protectionist measure. The owners of the existing casinos could be connected to the ‘Royal Family’ (not the old).

    The other thing is Betting Shops that exist everywhere in Sri Lanka. These are gambling places for ordinary folks. In the past betting was for horse racing. I understand that now betting is done for cricket matches as well. Who knows what new things will be added to the list.

    These days MY3 talks a lot about ‘Mathin Thora’ Sri Lanka. Yet, I noticed that at the airport when foreigners enter the country after immigration control, they are welcomed by a big sign ‘Johnnie Walker’ and two liquor shops.

    Money makes the world go round. No money, No honey!!!

    Ratana who is highly vocal on foreign casinos does not see the local casinos that are affecting ordinary folks.

  • 0
    1

    Maithreepalan Lebbe is giving instructions to him.

  • 7
    5

    Ranil is not a legal Prime Minister. He did not win an election to be in this post. Therefore he should not represent Sri Lanka on major decessions.

    • 1
      1

      Ad he stole preference votes from Rosy as well so that he wouldn’t end up embarrassed. that’s a known fact!

  • 6
    1

    Ranil makes very clever and cunning moves.

    Because of his cleverness we once ended up with a taxi driver as the mayor of Colombo !

  • 0
    1

    what’s wrong with casinoa.It is just another business.If we don’t do it someone else will.macau has one of the highest standard of living getting most of its revenue through casinos.combined with tourism it is a great money spinner.

    [Macau’s economy is based largely on tourism. Other chief economic activities in Macau are export-geared textile and garment manufacturing, banking and other financial services. The clothing industry has provided about three quarters of export earnings, and the gaming, tourism and hospitality industry is estimated to contribute more than 50% of Macau’s GDP, and 70% of Macau government revenue.
    In a World Tourism Organization report of international tourism for 2006, Macau ranked 21st in the number of tourists and 24th in terms of tourism receipts.[74] From 9.1 million visitors in 2000, arrivals to Macau has grown to 18.7 million visitors in 2005 and 22 million visitors in 2006, with over 50% of the arrivals coming from mainland China and another 30% from Hong Kong]

    In a World Tourism Organization report of international tourism for 2006, Macau ranked 21st in the number of tourists and 24th in terms of tourism receipts.[74] From 9.1 million visitors in 2000, arrivals to Macau has grown to 18.7 million visitors in 2005 and 22 million visitors in 2006, with over 50% of the arrivals coming from mainland China and another 30% from Hong Kong]

    https://www.google.lk/search?q=macau&sa=X&biw=1517&bih=714&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&ved=0ahUKEwiS4fC48YPOAhUHwI8KHbmAC4IQsAQIJQ&dpr=0.9

    https://www.lonelyplanet.com/china/macau

  • 0
    0

    LMAO. Another lie from Pinocchio.

  • 1
    0

    The fact is Singapore has Casinos. Here we are, SL will never be a competitor to Singapore. When it comes to building Hambanthota harbor and expansion of Colombo harbor, the same applies. Singapore now seem to have a good control of whoever is in place for making policy decisions on these things w.r.t SL. Well done to Singapore!

  • 0
    1

    Ranil W… of Neo-com orthodox politician and Christian democrat that heir to his classes may be an opposed to Casino gambling -games; but his vision of economic policies and thoughts are as similar as to gambling type of Casino games. The needless to say Its manipulating capital and labour by managing of misrule of economic governances by UNP-Ranil W… as leader of UNP!

    The UNP current leadership will never been out of old thought of Economic vision by US dominated neo-colonial liberalism and their “Democracy” of the “Good Governances”.

    That is part of an economic hipcoracy of anti- people movement of by and large of UNP since 2015 January 8th.

    JVP and TNA of anti-establishments political parties and outfits are behind that US barrow vision in new form of “LEFTISM” and “Separatism ” nexus of combination of “New Federalism”.

    In fact this ongoing unholy alliance between and JVP and TNA
    co-habitation political is the great support for UNP’s survival of governance by haggling for remain in power of many years ahead been predicted by US thinking tanks of CIA..

    That is US $ dollar dominated gambling economy ,has been undermined sustsnibility of path of capitalism in every nook and corner developing economics in Emerging Countries.

    The Ranil.W… of UNP eagerly want to surrender National Economic sovereignty to West led by US and UK that which to be plundering of nation wealth of our People.

    There is no patency Right for the Capitalism for by USA can gives assurances to UNP that monopoly of participating preference shares in Sri lanka.

    UNP is party leader of Ranil W….lost his mission of economic development in Island by leads to the political, economical and social pauperism.

    UNP current leadership engaged of the new type of governances by the “peaceful picketing” against development of sustsnibility of capitalism in that inside and out side Sri lanka joint hand with Tamil diaspora elements in oversees.

Leave A Comment

Comments should not exceed 200 words. Embedding external links and writing in capital letters are discouraged. Commenting is automatically disabled after 5 days and approval may take up to 24 hours. Please read our Comments Policy for further details. Your email address will not be published.