The Hon. Amila Prasad

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Minister.

¶ 02 Since you are here, let me proceed. The Government has launched a notable initiative—Sathosa-branded rice in red bags from yesterday. Some who opposed “Rajapaksa” branding in the past now criticize red bags—but I say it looks good.

¶ 03 However, please disclose the full cost chain—from procurement of paddy to milling, bagging, and delivery to Sathosa—so that private traders can compete fairly. If Sathosa staff costs are covered by the Treasury and rice is sold below cost, that distorts the market. Also, is the Sathosa rice cheaper than comparable market brands? If not, private traders will simply raise prices to match.

¶ 04 I support regulation. Regulation began under President Premadasa with the Betting and Gaming Levy Act, No. 40 of 1988, and later with the Casino Business (Regulation) Act, No. 17 of 2010 under the Rajapaksa administration. Back then, Hon. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in Hansard, accused “money men” of ruling Sri Lanka. Today, as he becomes the chief policymaker, the NPP brings a Gambling Regulatory Authority and proceeds to regulate casinos. Personally and as a party, we support this Bill—especially to secure tax revenue properly.

¶ 05 On the US$15 entry fee: how will you digitally detect entries in real time across all casinos—centrally at the Treasury or the Authority—to ensure collection? On taxing winnings, will you route all gambling financial transactions through Sri Lankan banks to enforce withholding?

¶ 06 On licensing: in December 2023, the Ranil Wickremesinghe Government said licences would cost US$500 million, but later a Gazette delayed it. With this Authority in place, will ad hoc gazettes by Ministers or officials be prevented so investor confidence is not undermined? We must also regulate online betting on cricket and other events. What penalties and enforcement mechanisms exist for operators outside the system?

¶ 07 Two new establishments have opened; I saw the President at one—Melco Resorts at Cinnamon Life. This is not about opening casinos to take Sri Lankans’ money; it is primarily to attract foreign high-spending tourists and increase revenue. We agree with that orientation. But state officials currently lack expertise in this industry. We should purchase international expert assistance to design and run the system, and pay for it transparently.

¶ 08 Finally, digitization is a core Government aim. This sector should be digitized first—ensure all casino and gaming operations are fully integrated into a digital reporting and tax platform. Many in the industry support the Government—let us do this transparently.