The Hon. Hector Appuhamy

¶ 01 Thank you, Hon. Deputy Chairperson.

¶ 02 The previous Hon. Member asked the Opposition not to criticize. Please ask the current President why he criticized Governments when he was in the Opposition—was that a grave mistake? If so, apologize first. The role of an Opposition is to scrutinize and improve governance. That is why we debate here.

¶ 03 On casinos: successive administrations moved this forward; Ranil Wickremesinghe issued multiple Gazettes altering conditions to expand casino operations. Because of constant public pushback, you now propose a Regulatory Authority—which is fine—but you concentrate excessive power in the subject Minister/President. Many processes are not routed to Parliament. Appointments concentrate too much discretion. We support taxation and proper regulation, but do it comprehensively and correctly the first time.

¶ 04 On the definitions in Clause 79: “gambling” includes, inter alia, charitable or benevolent purpose gaming and other games specified by regulation. Will this mean temple charity auctions and school raffles will be taxed or licensed? Clarify. The definition of “social gambling” includes games conducted at a person’s residence with family or acquaintances and occurring spontaneously even if regular—will this legalize and tax “buruwas” (card games) at funerals? If so, from whom will you levy tax—the householder or the winner?

¶ 05 You have also allowed cannabis cultivation zones—after ridiculing the idea previously. Politically, you have undercut your own MPs—cancelling parliamentary pensions and reducing MPs’ insurance—while centralizing power. Do things properly: strengthen the regulator, ensure the tax falls on those profiting from gambling, and bring a coherent, debated framework to Parliament.