News

Applications for 10 new casinos – Siyambalapitiya

Published

1 year ago

January 10, 2024

editor

Applications have been received for ten new casinos but the government is yet to grant its approval, State Minister of Finance Ranjith Siyambalapitiya informed Parliament today.

The State Minister came out with this information in response to a question raised by MP Venerable Athureliye Rathana Thera on the move by the government to allow new casinos in Colombo, Kandy and Jaffna.

“We have brought in new laws pertaining to casinos and therefore a sum of Rs. 500 million will be charged when granting a license for a period of five years. We also intend to increase entrance fees for casinos. Our intention is to discourage locals from going into casinos,” the State Minister said.

“We have to introduce casinos to attract tourists so that it would be possible to increase state revenue. If not, we will have to depend on taxes charged from locals to increase state revenue,” he added.

The Venerable Thera who responded said the government has already granted licenses to two new casinos including one in Kandy.

“One wonders whether the government expects people to visit casinos in Kandy after worshiping the Sacred Tooth Relic,” he said.

(dailymirror.lk)

(Except for the headline, this story, originally published by dailymirror.lk has not been edited by SLM staff)

News

03 vehicles collide at railway crossing

Published

11 hours ago

May 21, 2025

editor

03 vehicles have collided at the Merawala railway crossing on the Chilaw-Colombo main road.

The accident occurred at around 6.25 a.m. this morning (May 21) when a van, which had stopped behind a fuel bowser at the Chilaw Marawala railway crossing while it was closed for train traffic, was rear-ended by a prime mover transporting cement.

The prime mover had been unable to stop due to brake failure.

The van involved in the accident sustained significant damage and Chilaw Police are currently conducting further investigations.

(Pic: Accident 1st)

News

Ramith Rambukwella arrives before CIABOC

Published

11 hours ago

May 21, 2025

editor

Ramith Rambukwella – son of former Minister Keheliya Rambukwella arrived at the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) earlier today (May 21) to record a statement.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali yesterday (May 20) ordered the further remand of Keheliya Rambukwella until June 03, following his arrest by the CIABOC over 03 complaints related to alleged corruption.

The court also granted permission to name Ramith Rambukwella as a suspect in the case.

News

Mahindananda seeks permission for home cooked meals

Published

11 hours ago

May 21, 2025

editor

Former Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, who is currently in remand custody, has submitted a written request to prison authorities seeking permission to receive food from his home.

He is currently being held at the “M 2” ward of the Colombo Remand Prison along with around 10 other prisoners, according to reports.

It is also reported that former minister Keheliya Rambukwella is being detained in the same ward.