News
Casino Act opponents set to educate public on evils of high stakes gambling
View(s):The alliance formed by the opponents of the casino act including politicians from both government and opposition, clergy and leading civil activists will hold seminars in the coming weeks to educate the public about the ill effects of the casinos and to counter the arguments put forward by pro-casino groups, Provincial Council Minister Udaya Gammampila told the Sunday Times.
The group, which had its first public discussion on Wednesday, includes Minister Champika Ranawaka, Ven. Omalpe Sobitha Thera, religious leaders such as Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera, opposition politicians such as Srilal Jayathilaka and activists such as Chandra Jayaratne.
When asked about what their stand is on the existing casinos, Mr. Gammampila told the Sunday Times that while they are opposed to any type of gambling activity they had no say on the existing casinos. “We are opposed to the Bill that will protect or develop casinos or any other gambling activity in the country. In 2010 when the Government brought in a Bill to regulate gambling in the country we supported the Bill”.
Mr. Gammampila also said that their group will monitor the situation in the coming weeks and take necessary action accordingly. “The Opposition Leader has also spoken to us about the issue and said that his party will put other differences aside to join hands on this issue. Religious leaders of different religions have also joined forces to oppose this Bill. We will see how the situation develops and take necessary steps in the future” he said.