News

CoPF calls for immediate action to regulate online casinos

Published

1 year ago

June 11, 2024

editor

Chair of the Committee on Public Finance, Dr. Harsha de Silva has called for immediate action to regulate online casinos.

Despite existing laws prohibiting their operation, online casinos continue to function openly, depriving the country of significant revenue. Dr. de Silva has directed a formal letter to be sent to the Hon. Minister of Finance, urging prompt attention to this pressing issue.

The call for regulation was a key topic at the recent Committee on Public Finance meeting, chaired by Dr. de Silva on June 6th. During the session, the necessity of establishing a Casino Regulator was underscored.

Representatives from the Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank concurred, noting that many of the current issues surrounding casinos could be effectively managed with the establishment of a regulatory authority.

Dr. de Silva emphasized the urgency of enacting the necessary legislation to establish this regulatory body, highlighting its importance for attracting foreign investors and ensuring the government collects due revenue from the casino industry.

Following these discussions, the Committee reviewed the Regulations and an Order under Section 4 read with Section 3 of the Casino Business (Regulation) Act No. 17 of 2010. After thorough deliberation, both the Regulation and Order received approval from the Committee.

Further, the Committee considered and approved the Notification under Section 27 of the Welfare Benefits Act, No. 24 of 2002.

(dailymirror.lk)

(This story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

CoI on Deshabandu concludes examining evidence by both parties

Published

43 minutes ago

July 2, 2025

editor

The examination of evidence by both the Respondent and the Prosecution before the Committee of Inquiry concluded.

The Committee recommends that both parties submit their written submissions to the Committee of Inquiry before 3:30 p.m. on the 8th of July.

Examining evidence before the Committee of Inquiry to inquire and report its findings on IGP T.M.W. Deshabandu Tennakoon in respect of acts of gross abuse of power, concluded yesterday (July 01), with the presentation of evidence by both the Respondent, representing Inspector General of Police Deshabandu Tennakoon and the Prosecution.

The Committee of Inquiry, chaired by Supreme Court Judge P.P. Surasena and comprising Justice W.M.N.P. Iddawala and E.W.M. Lalith Ekanayake, Chairman, National Police Commission, convened today, during which, testimonies were obtained from two additional witnesses by the Prosecution.

These two witnesses had been overseas on official duty. Thus, in accordance with the prior agreement between the two parties, reached to obtain the evidence post June 26, held before the Committee of Inquiry with the participation of Additional Solicitor General (President’s Counsel) Dileepa Peiris and

Deputy Solicitor General Rajitha Perera, representing the Attorney General’s Department, and R.S. Weerawickrama Attorney-at-Law, appearing on behalf of the Inspector General of Police, it was decided to record the statements of these two witnesses today.Furthermore, both the Prosecution in representation of the Attorney General’s Department and the Respondent Inspector General of Police agreed to submit their respective written submissions to the Committee of Inquiry before 3:30 p.m. on July 08, 2025.

News

Govt to present 2026 Appropriation Bill in October

Published

4 hours ago

July 2, 2025

editor

Cabinet approval has been granted to a proposal presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake in his capacity as Minister of Finance , Planning and Economic Development to present the Appropriation Bill for the year 2026 to Parliament in October 2025.

Approval has also been granted to present the Budget speech in November 2025 and to hold the third reading and budget debate during November and December.