Sri Lanka’s Committee on Public Finance (CoPF) has approved the importation of casino gaming machines as a measure to increase tax revenue, opening the door for casino magnate Dhammika Perera to further consolidate his dominance in the country’s gambling industry.
The decision marks a significant shift in Sri Lanka’s policy landscape as the nation continues efforts to stabilize its economy following a turbulent financial crisis. Previously restricted under emergency import controls, casino equipment will now be allowed into the country, but only for institutions registered under tourism promotion and licensed casino operations.
According to Daily Mirror, CoPF member Ravi Karunanayake noted that the committee’s decision was based purely on financial grounds. “We looked at the revenue potential, not the social impact,” he said. “The committee’s job was to assess how this could help the government earn revenue.”
CoPF Chairman Harsha de Silva separately announced that a new monitoring system would be introduced to track each machine imported. He emphasized the need for oversight, warning that without it, the reintroduction of such imports could open the door to unregulated gambling activities, including junket operations and untaxed online casinos. De Silva pointed to Singapore’s regulatory model as a potential benchmark for Sri Lanka.
Industry observers are pointing to Dhammika Perera, who controls three of Colombo’s top casinos—Bally’s, Bellagio, and The Ritz Club—as the biggest beneficiary of the government’s new direction. Known as Sri Lanka’s “Casino King,” Perera has long lobbied for clear, updated legislation to modernize and expand the industry. His vast business empire spans hospitality, finance, and manufacturing, making him a key figure in any large-scale tourism or gaming initiative.
The gambling sector in Sri Lanka remains governed by the Betting and Gaming Levy Act No. 40 of 1988 and the Casino Business Regulation Act No. 17 of 2010. However, full implementation of those laws has lagged. In response, the government introduced the Gambling Regulatory Authority Act earlier this year, designed to unify and tighten control over both land-based and online gambling.
The Act aims to enforce Anti-Money Laundering (AML) protocols, Know Your Customer (KYC) rules, and promote responsible gambling practices. It also seeks to improve tax collection, address unlicensed operations, and prevent potential criminal activity tied to the casino industry.
