The proposed opening of a foreign-owned casino in Colombo’s ‘City of Dreams’ has sparked controversy, raising concerns over why a foreign gaming company was chosen over experienced local operators.
Hong Kong-based Melco Resorts and Entertainment is set to launch a large-scale casino in early August as part of the City of Dreams project.
The launch was initially expected to feature Bollywood icon Shah Rukh Khan, but he later cancelled his appearance due to unforeseen personal reasons.
Despite Khan’s absence, organizers have confirmed that the City of Dreams launch will proceed as planned.
Questions are now being asked as to why local entrepreneurs with years of gaming experience were overlooked in favor of a foreign firm.
This development has revived memories of a similar controversy during former President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s administration, when casino-related investments were heavily criticized by the opposition.
In 2015, the Yahapalana government scrapped previously approved casino projects involving local investors, fulfilling a key election promise.
Experts argue that canceling those projects cost the country potential revenue, especially as profits would have remained within Sri Lanka.
With the government now granting casino rights to a foreign firm, concerns have emerged over whether profits will be reinvested locally or sent overseas.
Critics argue that while gaming can complement tourism, Sri Lanka should focus on its core strengths such as natural beauty, wildlife, and heritage rather than trying to compete with global casino hubs.
If Sri Lanka does wish to enter the global gaming arena, many believe priority should be given to local investors with proven expertise.
Industry experts warn that foreign casino operations often fail to bring in new technology or create substantial employment, and instead result in profit outflow from the country.
The government is being urged to prioritize tourism investments that deliver long-term local benefits, including jobs and technology transfer, rather than merely seeking foreign capital.
