The Sri Lanka Committee on Public Finance (COPF) has given its approval for the import of casino machines into the South Asian country.
Detailing the decision, the COPF said the move would help the country bring in additional tax revenue. The imported machines will be permitted in registered tourism promotion institutions and tourist facilities, according to Sri Lanka’s Daily Mirror.
COPF member Ravi Karunanayake welcomed the decision, which he said has the full backing of the country’s government.
“The government wanted a ramification,” Karunanayake said. “We looked into how it could help earn revenue. Therefore, we have approved it.
“It is not our duty to assess the harmful effects of the move. We could only see how casinos could help the government earn revenue. This is why the approval was given.”
Changing Scene in Sri Lanka
The Casino Business Regulation Act No. 17 of 2010 had prevented machine imports in Sri Lanka. However, the country’s government recently introduced a new bill to change the gambling landscape.
The new Gambling Regulatory Authority Act No. of 2025 would establish a national gambling regulator. This body would assume responsibility for overseeing both online and land-based casinos in the country.
Other aims of the bill include issuing new licenses, setting regulatory standards, putting in place anti-money laundering and know-your-customer laws. In addition, it sets out aims for promoting responsible gambling.
