Video: Lawlessness has repulsed investors: UNP

6 May 2014 10:48 am Views - 3682

The number of business enterprises investing in Sri Lanka are decreasing every year because of the unfriendly climate for investments and that is the reason why the Government is attempting to lure casino tycoons into the country, the United National Party (UNP) said today.

“The amount of investments is decreasing. Investments amounting to US$877 million in 2012 had decreased to US$850 million last year. The country has lost US$25 million in investments because of the breakdown of the law and order situation in the country. This is why the Government is attempting to attract casino tycoons,” UNP parliamentarian and Leadership Council member Lakshman Kiriella said.

He said the Government had even ignored the advice given by the Mahanayake Theras of the three Nikayas and the other religious leaders in the rush to attract casino tycoons.

“No one has ever ignored the advise of a Mahanayaka Thera. Political leaders including the kings who ruled Sri Lanka obeyed the Mahanayaka Theras. Unfortunately this Government had ignored their advice that a clause stating that ‘no casinos will be introduced under the Strategic Development Project Act’ be included in Gazette notification,” Mr. Kiriella said and added that the Government had created history by not acceding to a simple but important request made by the Mahanayake Theras and the other religious leaders. (Lahiru Pothmulla)

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