The holy vs the unholy
Editorial-December 6, 2013,
An anti-casino campaign led by Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera and other religious dignitaries is gathering momentum. These prelates seem determined not to leave any stone unturned in their efforts to thwart a government plan to set up gaming resorts. A meeting they held in Colombo on Thursday was a success. Even some key Opposition politicians were present there though they usually don’t see eye to eye on other issues and go for each other’s jugular at the drop of a hat. Anyway, their presence and rare show of unity must have boosted the morale of the anti-casino campaigners to some extent.
The government, given to bulldozing its way through, may have thought it would be able to rush the new casino laws through Parliament like the so-called Expropriation Bill. This time around, it has come up against a brick wall. Resistance from some of its coalition allies themselves to casinos may also have prompted it to act with restraint—at least for the time being.
However, one should not be so naïve as to expect the government to concede defeat so easily. All signs are that it has crossed the Rubicon. It is banking heavily on James Packer et al for foreign investment and, therefore, will go to any extent to set up casino resorts.
The government is making a huge mistake by seeking easy investment, as it were, from gaming tycoons. If it gets its act together and creates a really investor-friendly environment with all required facilities made available, it won’t have to grovel before the likes of Packer in this shameful manner. Corruption, bureaucratic red tape, inefficiency, political interference, irresponsible trade unionism etc have stood in the way of foreign investment as is common knowledge. Foreigners who are aware of the Rathupaswala dispute which left three dead and many others injured and led to the closure of a factory catering to the export market must be wary of bringing in their money here. That issue was totally mishandled. The government should get its industrial policy right and prevent the setting up of factories haphazardly with no heed for the environment and public wellbeing.
The Mahanayake Theras have made a joint appeal to the government, urging it not to promote casinos. They have struck a responsive chord with all right-thinking people. But, unfortunately, not even those who have joined their anti-casino campaign seem to take their advice seriously. On December 18, 2011, it may be recalled, Mahanayake Thera of the Malwatte Chapter Most Ven. Tibbatuwawe Sri Sidhartha, Mahanayake Thera of the Asgiri Chapter Most Ven. Udugama Sri Rathanapala Buddharakkitha, Mahanayake Thera of the Ramanna Chapter Most Ven. Weweldeniya Medhalankara Thera and Mahanayake Thera of the Amarapura Chapter Most Ven. Gnanissara Thera together appealed to the UNP to appoint Karu Jayasuriya its leader. Their request was not heeded at all. The country has come to such a pass that politicians take the prelates for granted.
The government has a steamroller majority in Parliament and even if some of the UPFA constituents break ranks over the gaming issue it could pass laws to facilitate the setting up of foreign casinos. But, if it is wise it will refrain from such action in deference to the religious dignitaries’ opinion.
Similarly, the religious and political leaders who have joined forces to keep Packer at bay ought to explain why they are silent on the existing casinos and bookies which have ruined many families as their breadwinners lose money on horse racing. It affects their credibility to be selective in campaigning against gambling. Will they tell us what they propose to do with Local Packers, so to speak, and their gambling dens? Let there be no double standards.
