Is the dream of miracle to be fulfilled through casino – AiPM

SUNDAY, 09 JUNE 2013 

Is casino and gambling the economic development strategy of the leader who fancies developing a ‘miracle’ and has made it his dream asks the co-convener of Anti-imperialist People’s Movement (AiPM) Ven. Dhambara Amila Thera.

Speaking at a media conference held by the AiPM in Colombo today (9th) Ven. Amila Thera said, “Even when we had little information we recognized the danger and apprised the media regarding the casino project. Today we have enough evidence regarding this scheme. A few months ago Casino king James packer came to Sri Lanka, met stalwarts of the political authority and had discussions to set up a casino center. We didn’t have information regarding whom he met or what he discussed. However, a letter sent by the Director General of the Ministry of Finance and Planning to the Chairman, Board of Investments reveals everything.  The letter clearly states permission is given to the casino center ‘under the strategic development projects’. The casino center is also given concessions, privileges and unlimited tax reliefs.

There is no mention of any policy for giving a very valuable land in Colombo to James Packer. There is no indication how the land belonging to Government Supplies Department has been released to the casino king. Also, Rs.100 million tax to be levied for gambling businesses will not be relevant to this project.

Are these concessions, reliefs and privileges given to the casino and gambling project justifiable? Do they conform to ‘Mahinda Chinthanaya and is this what people who voted for Mahinda Rajapaksa asked for? Is it the policy of ‘Bala Sena’ that claims it represents Buddhists that makes 74% of the population? What would these ‘Balasenas’ and ‘Balakayas’ do regarding these acts of Mahinda Rajapaksa? Will they encircle the casino center or will they encircle the Ministry of Finance or the cabinet? These organizations put up by the government and Rajapaksa and company should be asked what they would do regarding this project.

Sambodhi Viharaya is next to the place where the casino center is to be constructed. Getting a casino gambling den built near a temple is an unethical act. Gambling would involve, liquor and prostitution as well. There won’t be any meritorious acts in such places. These are places that gratify racketeers with black money. Do they suit the white dress adorned by Mahinda Rajapaksa or the title he was given by Siam Chapter? Does ‘Balasena’ have to encircle business places or these unethical dens?

You know that Malaysia, Hong Kong, Korea broke down economically. Imperialism was behind it. Imperialist countries carry out their conspiracies to break down countries in these gambling dens. These casino centers are like another government in a country. In such casino dens imperialists make plans to buy Parliamentarians, assassin true patriots, change leaders. They are like small Parliaments and even the opposition is manipulated according to whims and fancies of these racketeers.

This is a vice that brings tragedy to a country and also becomes the politics of that country. As the Ant-imperialist People’s Movement we would never tolerate such schemes. Allowing decisions on politics, society and economics in the country to be taken in casino centers is dangerous. All decisions regarding the country should be taken by the Sinhalese, Tamil and Muslim people in this country. It is the sovereignty of the people. We would never allow this power to be plundered or to be presented to James Packer. For, it would be a threat to national security as well as sovereignty. Hence, people should question regarding this path taken by Mahinda Rajapaksa’s government towards vice. Buddhist Bhikkus as well as Christian, Catholic, Hindu and Muslim religious leaders should rally against this path for immorality. As legitimate citizens of this country we have the right to defeat such schemes.

Former JVP Parliamentarian Lakshman Nipunarachchi and Ayurvedic Specialist Doctor Nanda Wijeratna also participated.