Exactly 11 years ago, around the middle of 2014, Sri Lankan society was stirred by a major public outcry. This was during the time of the Rajapaksa government. Several opposition groups organized protests at various locations in Colombo. The cause of the unrest was a proposed large-scale casino and entertainment complex, which was planned to be established in Sri Lanka with the full approval of the Rajapaksa administration.
The project was to be initiated by Australian billionaire businessman James Packer, known globally as the “King of Casinos.” The proposed site was a large plot of land in front of the Lake House building in Colombo, and the project was to involve an investment of USD 400 million.
The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), a left-wing political party in Sri Lanka, led strong protests against this casino project. The United National Party (UNP) also staged some demonstrations. The JVP launched its campaign highlighting the potential negative impact of such a project on Sri Lankan society. They argued that casino gambling would increase addiction among the public, potentially lead to a rise in prostitution, and cause the breakdown of family units. Another key argument was that the project would encourage the exploitation of national resources. Furthermore, the government had granted the investors a 10-year tax holiday, which drew further criticism. Protesters also claimed that the investors would be allowed to repatriate foreign exchange without restrictions.
In this tense climate, the JVP demanded that the Rajapaksa government reject the project. Then JVP MP and current President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, along with other party MPs and thousands of supporters, held numerous protests. They even took their opposition to Parliament, where the issue was debated.
Due to the strong resistance from the JVP and other opposition parties, the Rajapaksa government was ultimately compelled to halt James Packer’s casino project. The subsequent “Yahapalana” (Good Governance) government, which came to power after the Rajapaksas, also did not grant approval for the project. Eventually, the foreign investors looked to relocate it to another country.
But what has happened now, more than a decade later?
A similar large-scale foreign casino investment is once again being launched in Sri Lanka. All necessary arrangements for this new entertainment and casino complex have been organized, and it is set to begin operations shortly.
This article will go into more detail shortly, but let’s pause to reflect on the irony. Such developments bring to mind some humorous and insightful Sinhala proverbs:
“In King Abuddassa’s time, even the gourds were bitter…”
“When hunger strikes, even a monitor lizard becomes a delicacy…”
“What was once buried is now unearthed…”
“Even the dogs testify when sweet rice is served…”
We now find ourselves at a curious turning point: the JVP, which strongly opposed the 2014 casino project, is now permitting a similar one to go ahead.
The current government is the National People’s Power (NPP), effectively led by the JVP. While there are a few subtle differences, the core political force behind the NPP is still the JVP. As such, the current government has now provided full facilitation for this new casino project.
However, it is important to note that the initial approval for this project was given under the previous government of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. Ironically, Ranil Wickremesinghe had once publicly stated that James Packer would never be allowed to enter Sri Lanka.
Today, all parties that once opposed such projects seem to have abandoned their objections and are fully supporting the new endeavor.
Another “Casino King” Arrives
The new casino and hotel project, scheduled to open on August 2, 2025, is named “City of Dreams Sri Lanka.” It is a project of Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd., a major global casino operator based in Hong Kong.
The operation and oversight of the project in Sri Lanka are being handled by John Keells Holdings, one of the country’s leading corporate entities. The casino will be set up inside the luxurious Cinnamon Life Integrated Resort, located in Colombo 02.
The Sri Lankan government has granted a 20-year license for this mega project, and an initial investment of USD 150 million will be made. Additionally, the import of casino machines has been exempted from import duties. There are also reports that a Casino and Gambling Regulatory Authority will be newly established in Sri Lanka.
Shah Rukh Is Coming
A sensational highlight of this launch is the announcement that Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan will be the chief guest at the grand opening on August 2, 2025. Shah Rukh Khan, now 59 years old, last visited Sri Lanka in 2004, during which a tragic bomb blast at his concert killed three people and injured around 20.
Priyantha Hettige
