The government has taken another step toward realizing its gambling ambitions
Sri Lanka has moved a step closer to overhauling its gambling framework after the Parliamentary Committee on Public Finance approved the Gambling Regulatory Authority Bill. The decision was made on August 12, 2025, during a session chaired by lawmaker Rauff Hakeem in place of committee chair Dr. Harsha de Silva.
The Bill, first introduced in June, is set to create Sri Lanka’s first central body tasked with overseeing all betting and gaming activities in the country. The new Authority will carry a dual role: implementing regulatory standards to minimise risks tied to gambling while also ensuring the industry contributes to the economy, particularly tourism.
Government officials backing the measure emphasized that regulation is needed to reduce unlicensed activity and strengthen oversight. With gambling already a visible part of Sri Lanka’s entertainment and tourism sector, lawmakers believe the Bill provides an opportunity to bring structure to the market and attract more international interest.
The timing of the approval is notable. Earlier this summer, Sri Lanka lifted a ban on casino equipment imports, and City of Dreams — South Asia’s largest integrated resort — opened in Colombo. Both moves highlight the government’s intent to position the country as a hub for regulated gaming within the region.
Committee members, including Deputy Minister Chathuranga Abeysinghe, Ravi Karunanayake, Dr. Kaushalya Ariyaratne, Lakmali Hemachandra, and Nishantha Jayaweera, were present at the session. Their endorsement suggests broad political support for the Bill, which now awaits final passage into law.
If enacted, the Gambling Regulatory Authority would represent a landmark shift for Sri Lanka, giving it a single institution with wide powers to oversee licensing, compliance, and responsible gambling measures. Observers view the move as part of a broader strategy to tie gaming growth with the country’s economic and tourism development plans.
