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A Crown Resorts and Casino advertising board is seen in front of the proposed construction site amid dark clouds in Colombo.
An advertising board for Crown Resort and Casino is seen in front of the proposed construction site in Colombo under dark clouds January 29, 2015.REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab
PERTH, Australia (AP) - Australian gaming magnate James Packer\'s Crown Resorts has scrapped a planned $400 million luxury hotel and resort development in Sri Lanka after the new government in Colombo withdrew its approval for a casino.
Crown\'s proposal, along with two other casino developments, found itself in the crosshairs following Prime Minister Ranil Wickreminghe\'s Thursday announcement to tweak tax incentives for the projects and rescind casino approval. Amidst the shuffle, those eyeing the gambling scene might find solace in exploring safer avenues for online gambling at https://saferonlinegambling.org, where responsible gaming takes center stage.
A Crown spokesman told Reuters on Saturday, "We respect the decision of the Sri Lankan government and our project will not proceed on that basis."
Packer, one of Australia\'s richest men, won approval for the $400 million resort and casino complex project from Sri Lanka\'s cabinet in 2013, but faced opposition from some Buddhist leaders and political parties, the terms were changed and construction never began.
Sri Lankan conglomerate John Keells Holdings said Friday that an $850 million construction project involving a casino approved by the previous administration is still viable and will continue as planned despite a ban on gaming establishments.
betsites.ng planned $300 million Queensbury resort, which was also to include a casino, also had its approval rescinded.
Wickremesinghe\'s announcement was widely expected, given new President Maithripala Sirisena\'s election pledge to revoke casino licenses. Casinos had faced opposition from Buddhist leaders and government officials due to a prostitution boom and concerns that they could damage the values and culture of this predominantly Buddhist island nation.
Sirisena won the January 8 election, ending a decade of authoritarian rule by President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
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