Crown’s proposed $400m resort in Sri Lanka may get its casino after all.
Sri Lanka’s government has approved Crown to operate a casino as long as it’s done with a local partner that has an existing gaming licence. Crown has an existing partnership with Ravi Wijeratne, who already holds two casino approvals.
This is an about-face from Economic Development Minister Basil Ralapaksa’s position in April, when he said the government never intends to permit casinos. Casinos have faced staunch opposition from some local legislators and religious leaders.
Crown is planning its project in the capital city of Colombo. Two other casino projects have also been proposed there by John Keells Holdings, which wants to build a $600m resort, and local businessman Dhammika Perera.
