Committee of Public Finance wants online casinos regulated

The Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance Dr Harsha de Silva has called for immediate measures to look into regulating Online Casinos.

At a COPF meeting it  was disclosed that even though it is clearly stated by law that online casinos cannot be carried out, online casinos operate in the open depriving the country of the revenue due.

Dr  de Silva directed that a letter be sent to the Hon. Minister of Finance requesting for his immediate attention regarding the matter.

This was taken into discussion at the Committee on Public Finance which met under the
Chairmanship of Dr  de Silva.

The importance of establishing a Casino Regulator was also highlighted at the Committee on Public
Finance. Officials representing the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank also was of the view
that many issues pertaining to Casinos can be resolved following the establishment of a Casino
Regulator, a Press release from the Communication section of the Parliament said.

The Chair instructed the officials present to take immediate measures and not to delay further the
necessary laws to establish a regulatory authority which is very important to attract foreign
investors and to collect the revenue due to the government from the casino business.

State Minister Dr  Suren Raghavan, and Members of Parliament Nimal Lanza,
Mayantha Dissanayake, Chandima Weerakkody, (Dr.) Nalaka Godahewa,  Harshana
Rajakaruna, Madhura Withanage were present at the Committee meeting held.