Sri Lanka has made significant progress in its approach to gambling regulation. The Committee on Public Finance has endorsed a new bill to establish the Gambling Regulatory Authority. This is the first time the country will establish a centralized organization to oversee the gaming industry. The session occurred on August 12, 2025. Member of Parliament Rauff Hakeem chaired the meeting in the absence of the usual chair, Dr. Harsha de Silva, who was on an international tour. However, this did not disrupt the meeting. The committee had previously reviewed this bill multiple times, so they were ready to vote when the time came.
What This New Authority Will Do
What is the purpose of the Gambling Regulatory Authority? Its role extends beyond merely regulating gambling establishments. Lawmakers are clear: they aim for this new body to enhance Sri Lanka’s tourism sector and stimulate the economy.
The authority will serve as the primary regulator for betting and gaming venues nationwide. However, its goal is not to impose strict controls or shut down operations. Instead, it seeks to maximize the benefits of the gaming industry, particularly in attracting tourists to Sri Lanka.
The authority will have a wide-ranging mandate. It will oversee gambling operations, mitigate any social issues related to gambling, promote tourism, and foster economic growth. This demonstrates Sri Lanka’s commitment to getting this initiative right.
Other Financial Moves During the Same Meeting
The committee’s agenda extended beyond gambling that day. They also approved several pending financial measures. These included a resolution under the Customs Ordinance regarding import duties, an order under the Excise Special Provisions Act related to excise duties, and a regulation under the Finance Act addressing luxury tax on motor vehicles. All three measures were published in the Extraordinary Gazettes on April 28, 2025.
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Who Attended and Why It Matters
Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe attended the meeting alongside several Members of Parliament, including Ravi Karunanayake, Dr. Kaushalya Ariyaratne, Attorney-at-Law Lakmali Hemachandra, and Nishantha Jayaweera.
This initiative marks a significant policy advancement for Sri Lanka. Until now, the country lacked a dedicated organization to oversee the gaming industry, combining both regulatory and developmental functions.
While some regions are tightening restrictions on gambling, Sri Lanka is adopting a more balanced strategy. They aim for oversight and control while recognizing the potential for revenue and tourism if managed effectively. It remains to be seen whether this new authority can successfully navigate these diverse goals, but they now have official support to pursue this endeavor.