November 27, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is preparing for one of its most far-reaching regulatory reforms in decades as the Gambling Regulatory Authority Act, No. 17 of 2025, comes into force on December 1. The move marks a decisive state-led intervention in an industry long criticised for lax oversight, murky financial reporting, and persistent tax leakages that successive administrations failed to plug.
For years, casinos, betting centres, and online gambling operators functioned within a fragmented legal framework that enabled inconsistent monitoring and wide revenue losses. The new Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) consolidates the entire sector under a single, independent regulator tasked with enforcing uniform standards and closing the loopholes that allowed billions in state revenue to go uncollected.
The shift follows a special gazette issued by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, which repealed three outdated laws that had governed the sector for decades. Under the new framework, the GRA will oversee casinos, sports betting outlets, offshore and ship-based gambling, online gaming platforms, and future Port City gaming operations. Officials say the centralisation is designed to modernise the industry and align regulation with global compliance norms.
A senior Finance Ministry official described the change as “structural reform overdue by more than two decades,” emphasising that the previous system’s fragmentation enabled “long-term, sustained revenue erosion.” The official added that the government can no longer afford to let informal practices and opaque accounting drain public finances. “The GRA will be an enforcement-driven authority, not a symbolic one,” he said.
The legislation passed Parliament without opposition rare in today’s polarised political climate—signalling consensus that the sector had operated too long without effective oversight. The authority will impose strict anti–money laundering safeguards, regulate promotions to curb irresponsible gambling, and impose mandatory social-responsibility obligations on both physical and online operators.
“For the first time, every rupee circulating in this sector will leave a regulatory footprint,” a member of the Public Finance Committee said, framing the reform as a turning point for fiscal transparency.
The timing of the overhaul coincides with Sri Lanka’s efforts to reposition itself as a luxury tourism and investment hub. The recent opening of Melco’s USD 1.2 billion City of Dreams Sri Lanka has intensified interest in Colombo’s potential to attract high-rollers from South Asia. Industry specialists argue that Sri Lanka’s ambition to emerge as “India’s Macau” hinges on the credibility of its regulatory apparatus something long viewed as inadequate.
But enforcement will be the true test. Colombo’s major casino operators Bally’s, Bellagio, Casino Marina, Ritz Club, Stardust, and the newly opened City of Dreams have for years benefited from loosely applied permits and discretionary taxes that facilitated under-reporting. Meanwhile, online gambling now estimated to represent more than half of all local betting has operated with virtually no oversight.
An Inland Revenue Department official warned that this regulatory void has cost the country tens of billions of rupees annually, noting that the core issue is “administrative failure, not revenue capacity.”
Treasury officials believe that if the GRA maintains independence and withstands political pressure, the sector could evolve into a “stable and significant fiscal contributor within two years.” With December 1 approaching, expectations are sharp. “Compliance is no longer optional,” a senior Treasury source said. “The regulator will not just supervise it will enforce. The real test begins the moment the doors open.”
Sri Lanka Launches Tough Crackdown to Clean Up Gambling Industry
Four Killed in Walapane Landslide as Heavy Rains Persist
November 27, Colombo (LNW): At least four people have lost their lives after a landslide struck the Walapane area in Nuwara Eliya, according to the Disaster Management Centre.
Emergency teams were dispatched to the scene soon after reports emerged, with officials warning that unstable ground conditions in the region could lead to further incidents if the rainfall continues.
Local authorities say rescue efforts are ongoing, and residents in nearby high-risk zones have been advised to remain vigilant and follow safety instructions issued by disaster response teams.
Sri Lanka Poised for Strongest Reserve Position Since Economic Downturn: CBSL Chief
November 27, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is likely to record its highest level of foreign reserves since the onset of the economic crisis, with fresh funding from the IMF and ADB expected before the end of December, Central Bank Governor Dr Nandalal Weerasinghe told participants at the November 2025 Monetary Policy Review held in Colombo yesterday (26).
Dr Weerasinghe explained that the exchange rate continues to respond to market behaviour, stressing that fluctuations reflect underlying demand for foreign currency. He noted, however, that healthy inflows from tourism, worker remittances and export earnings are helping to maintain stability.
According to him, the recent ups and downs of the rupee indicate a market adjusting in a largely orderly manner. He also remarked that pressure on vehicle imports appears to be easing, with letters of credit retreating in November after a surge between July and September.
Turning to domestic credit conditions, the Governor said that lending to the private sector remains below its long-term trend when measured against GDP, leaving space for responsible credit expansion. He added that fiscal management in 2025 has outperformed previous years, and projected that the current account surplus will settle at close to 1 per cent of GDP—roughly one billion dollars.
The Monetary Policy Board, after reviewing global and local developments, opted to keep the Overnight Policy Rate unchanged at 7.75 per cent. The Board believes this stance remains appropriate to guide inflation towards the 5 per cent target. Consumer prices, measured by the Colombo Consumer Price Index, continued their upward path in October, though the rise has been less steep than previously anticipated.
Officials expect inflation to ease towards the target by the second half of 2026, with core inflation likely to pick up only moderately as economic demand strengthens.
Indicators point to continued economic recovery, with private sector credit showing broad-based growth throughout 2025, partly due to improved confidence and resumed demand for imported vehicles. Although the trade deficit has widened with higher import volumes, strong earnings from tourism and remittances have helped offset the imbalance.
Gross official reserves have remained above USD 6 billion this year, supported by the Central Bank’s net purchases of foreign currency. Additional inflows from multilateral lenders are anticipated in December.
Dr Weerasinghe noted that recent downward pressure on the rupee has begun to ease as foreign exchange liquidity improves. The Central Bank, he added, will continue to monitor economic conditions carefully and adjust its policy approach if required.
PM Highlights Drop in Unemployment as Parliament Reviews Latest Labour Data
November 27, Colombo (LNW): Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya told Parliament that Sri Lanka’s unemployment level has continued its downward trend, with the latest figures indicating that 365,951 people are currently without work across the country.
Citing the 2024 Labour Force Report, she noted that the national unemployment rate, which stood at 4.5 per cent in the first quarter of 2024, has fallen to 3.8 per cent this year.
Her remarks came in response to a query raised by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa under Standing Order 27/2. The Prime Minister added that the second quarter of 2024 recorded a rate of 4.7 per cent, showing that the reduction to 3.8 per cent represents a considerable improvement in labour market conditions.
She provided a breakdown of unemployment by educational level, explaining that 103,308 jobseekers have qualifications below the GCE Ordinary Level, while a further 91,405 have passed the O/Level examination. Meanwhile, 128,984 individuals with Advanced Level qualifications are still looking for work, along with 42,254 graduates and postgraduates.
Dr Amarasuriya said the Government has already placed more than 12,000 unemployed graduates in jobs and intends to absorb the remaining applicants in accordance with the National People’s Power policy framework.
Touching on the long-delayed teacher recruitment process, she confirmed that ongoing court proceedings have now concluded. The Ministry awaits formal notification from the Court of Appeal, after which appointments will begin.
President Meets MPs to Coordinate Emergency Response to Severe Weather
November 27, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake arrived in Parliament this (27) morning for a special discussion with Members of Parliament from districts grappling with the recent spell of destructive weather.
The meeting, convened as heavy rain and flooding continue to impact several regions, is aimed at streamlining relief efforts and identifying immediate needs on the ground.
Leader of the House Bimal Ratnayake noted that the briefing is open to every MP representing an affected locality, regardless of party affiliation. He stressed that, during a crisis of this scale, cooperation across the political spectrum is essential to ensure communities receive timely assistance.
President Calls for Stronger Local Cinema and Wider Access to Global Films
November 27, Colombo (LNW): President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has emphasised that a vibrant film industry is vital to a nation’s cultural and emotional enrichment, noting that Sri Lanka must both protect its home-grown cinema and allow audiences to experience high-quality films from around the world.
He expressed these views during a meeting held yesterday at the Presidential Secretariat with a group of film distributors and producers, according to a statement from the President’s Media Division. The discussion, which ran for an extended period, focused on a range of challenges faced by the industry, from regulatory hurdles to structural limitations that hinder growth. The President reportedly offered practical responses to the concerns raised.
Industry representatives drew particular attention to complications surrounding VAT payments, pointing out inconsistencies that have affected theatre operators and producers alike. They also highlighted that the sector achieved record revenues in 2025, underscoring what they described as a renewed enthusiasm for cinema among the public. With this momentum in mind, they appealed for continued government support to consolidate the industry’s progress.
Attending on behalf of the Government were the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, along with National Film Corporation Chairman Sudath Mahaadivulwewa and General Manager Ruwan Premaweera.
A broad cross-section of the film community was present, including veteran actor Sanath Gunathilake and senior representatives from major production houses and cinema chains such as Lyca Productions, JP Ceneplex Kandy, LFD, EAP, Lite Cinema, CEL, Ceylon Theatres and PVR. Together, they urged the Government to help foster an environment in which Sri Lankan cinema can modernise, expand and better compete on the international stage.
Eastern Province Shuts All Muslim Schools Amid Severe Weather
November 27, Colombo (LNW): Muslim schools across Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province have been ordered to close from today (27) until conditions improve, as heavy rain and strong winds continue to disrupt daily life in the region.
The announcement was made by Eastern Province Governor, Prof. Jayantha Lal Ratnasekera, who said the decision was taken in the interest of student safety, with several areas experiencing localised flooding and difficult travel conditions.
Authorities noted that some schools had already reported access roads becoming unsafe, prompting a province-wide suspension as a precaution.
Authorities Extend Flood Alert as Deduru Oya Waters Continue to Rise
November 27, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Irrigation has extended its warning of potential major flooding for communities living in low-lying areas along the Deduru Oya Basin, following sustained rainfall and increasing water release from the reservoir.
Heavy downpours over the past day in the upper and mid-catchment zones have pushed water levels sharply upwards, prompting the controlled release of roughly 33,000 cubic feet of water per second through the Deduru Oya Reservoir spill gates. Officials caution that this surge significantly heightens the risk of flooding downstream.
Based on the latest gauge readings and field observations, several Divisional Secretariat divisions—including Wariyapola, Nikaweratiya, Mahawewa, Kobeigane, Bingiriya, Pallama, Halawatha, Arachchikattuwa and Rasnayakapura—are considered particularly vulnerable to rising waters. Local authorities have been monitoring small inundations already reported in a few pockets, although no major evacuations have yet been ordered.
The initial warning issued on November 23 at 6.30 a.m. has now been prolonged by a further 48 hours, with officials stressing that conditions may intensify if rainfall persists.
Residents in the affected regions, as well as motorists passing through, have been urged to remain extremely cautious, especially during the night when rapidly rising water may be harder to detect. Disaster management teams have been asked to stay on standby and implement protective measures as required.
Court Seeks Psychiatric Evaluation in Money-Laundering Case Involving Yoshitha Rajapaksa’s Grandmother
November 27, Colombo (LNW): The Colombo High Court has directed that an expert psychiatric assessment be carried out to determine whether Daisy Forrest, grandmother of Yoshitha Rajapaksa, is mentally capable of taking part in ongoing legal proceedings.
Forrest and Rajapaksa are facing charges brought under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, with the Attorney General alleging that the pair unlawfully obtained assets valued at around Rs. 73 million. Both accused, who remain on bail, were present when the matter was taken up before High Court Judge Udesh Ranatunga.
Forrest’s legal representatives previously informed the court that, at 98 years old, she suffers from dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, making her unable to properly engage in the trial. They noted that a medical report concerning her cognitive condition had already been submitted to the Gangodawila Magistrate’s Court in 2017. On this basis, the defence has asked that she be excused from further participation in the case.
When the matter was heard yesterday, the court considered the Attorney General’s stance on the defence’s request. Deputy Solicitor General Janaka Bandara argued that a fresh evaluation was necessary and recommended that Forrest be examined by a specialist psychiatrist through the Colombo Judicial Medical Officer.
After reviewing submissions from both sides, the judge ordered that an updated psychiatric report be obtained to assess whether Forrest is presently fit to appear before the court, allowing the case to proceed with greater clarity regarding her mental state.
Severe Weather Forces Postponement of 2025 A/L Examinations
November 27, Colombo (LNW): The Department of Examinations has confirmed that the 2025 G.C.E. Advanced Level examinations, set to take place today and tomorrow, have been temporarily suspended due to the worsening weather-related emergency unfolding across the country.
Commissioner General of Examinations, AKS Indika Kumari Liyanage, said the decision was made after assessing the widespread disruption caused by heavy rain and flooding, noting that the safety of students and examination staff must take precedence. She assured candidates that revised exam dates will be announced once conditions stabilise.
In addition, the Department has instructed provincial and zonal education authorities, along with those overseeing regional collection centres and examination coordination hubs, to take extra precautions to safeguard all examination materials.
Officials have been asked to ensure that question papers already distributed to centres remain secure and protected from any potential weather damage.
Authorities emphasise that updates will be communicated promptly as the situation evolves.