By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana   

Sri Lanka’s economy would not have been what it is today if investor James Packer was allowed to start up casinos years ago, State Minister Diana Gamage told Parliament yesterday.   

“There were people who took to the street against Packer” she said amidst the questioning of SJB MPs.   

“ It does not matter who opposed Packer and who did not now but the fact of the matter is the current situation of the nation,” she added.   

She also reiterated that night economy is a must for Sri Lanka to become a developed nation. “ I was attacked when I proposed a night economy. A night economy does not mean promoting prostitution. One can engage in prostitution thought out 24 hours of the day” she said.