36-storey ‘Crown Colombo’ casino from Packer conglomerate
View(s):Australian Casino kingpin and billionaire James Packer has won the green light from the Sri Lankan government to build a 36-storeyed casino complex and super luxury resort coupled with a mega hotel in a 500 perch prime block of land at D.R. Wijeyawardene Mawatha in Fort, informed sources said.
The blue print to commence the ‘Crown Colombo’ casino club opposite Lake House where a car park is being maintained at present has been approved by the authorities following Mr. Packer´s recent visit to the island, these sources revealed.
The 45-year old businessman is the son of Kerry Packer who had extensive media holdings but is best known locally for creating the pyjama-type World Cup cricket series in 1977 that transformed cricket.
The ministries of Finance and Economic Development have given the nod to Mr. Packer to start Sri Lanka’s single largest gaming venture following talks with Minister Basil Rajapaksa and Treasury Secretary Dr. P.B. Jayasundera, a senior government official who wished to be anonymous told the Business Times. The $350 million venture will open in 2016. The Australian’s local business partner is gaming industry stalwart and influential Ravi Wijeratne, who has high political backing.
Somewhere in 2007 the government approved the release of the same land for a 4-5 storey car park on an unsolicited proposal brought by Mr. Wijeratne at that time. That was not pursued because the authorities, later, received approval to develop the area along D.R. Wijewardena Mawatha for tourism related activities, in line with the ongoing Colombo City Development Programme.
Mr. Packer Jr. inherited control of the family’s media assets but moved away from the media business and focused on creating a worldwide gambling empire.
He is also creating a group of casino complexes in Great Britain.The Packer entry has drawn criticism from opposition parties, particularly the JVP, over the morality of promoting gambling as an investment.
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