The Government of Sri Lanka announced on Monday its decision to publish the draft Bill on the Gambling Sports Regularization Act in the official gazette and submit it to Parliament for approval.
According to local media outlet Daily News, Cabinet Spokesman and Minister Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa stated that the Cabinet of Ministers, at its meeting on Monday, April 21st, approved the proposal presented by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, in his capacity as Minister of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development, to proceed with the publication and submission of the draft Bill.
Speaking at the weekly Cabinet media briefing, Dr. Jayatissa explained that this step follows a previous Cabinet decision made on February 24th, 2025, to prepare legislation aimed at creating a regulatory body for the gambling sports sector in Sri Lanka. The draft Bill, which has received clearance from the Attorney General, proposes the establishment of the Gambling Regularization Authority.
The Authority is envisioned as an independent entity responsible for monitoring all gambling activities related to the sports sector. Its scope would cover traditional gambling, offshore gambling operations conducted on ships, activities within the Colombo Port City, and online gambling platforms.
Colombo Port City is a land reclamation project located on the western edge of Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo.
Melco Resorts & Entertainment Ltd is set to operate a land-based casino at City of Dreams Sri Lanka, situated in the southeastern area of Colombo Port City. The City of Dreams Sri Lanka casino is slated to open in the third quarter of this year.
