Sri Lanka is at risk of becoming an international online gambling center

It has been revealed in Parliament that Sri Lanka is facing a serious risk of becoming an international illegal online gambling hub, surpassing even countries like Myanmar and Cambodia. This information was recently disclosed to the House by Dr. Harsha de Silva, Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance (COPF).

The MP pointed out that these online gambling games have become extremely popular in current society, especially among the youth and children in the country. He even demonstrated in the Parliament chamber how to practically access these gambling websites and applications using his personal mobile phone.

It was revealed that more than 40 different payment methods are actively available for those involved in these illegal gambling activities. The Chairman also stated that the fact that even the famous Japanese newspaper 'Nikkei' has named Sri Lanka as a major gambling hub is a matter of great shame for the entire country.

The current casino regulatory laws have been unable to control these online gambling networks because the majority of them are registered in foreign countries outside Sri Lanka. Dr. Harsha de Silva pointed out that the opportunity to regulate these companies will only arise if they are legally registered within Sri Lanka. He also confirmed that although the Committee on Public Finance inquired about this matter by submitting 18 questions to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka in April this year, no satisfactory response has been received to date.

Although the Chairman of the Gambling Regulatory Commission had previously stated before the Committee that the relevant regulations would be implemented by November this year, the Chairman of the Committee on Public Finance points out that these legal regulations have not yet reached their final stage. The disclosure further emphasizes that the proposed bills to prevent money laundering and terrorist financing are essential for the country, and urgent steps must be taken to prevent illegal gambling companies from exploiting loopholes in the existing legal system.