Pro-casino Sri Lanka politician joins opposition

Jan 02, 2015 Newsdesk Latest News, Rest of Asia, Top of the deck  

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The key defender of Sri Lanka’s controversial casino policy on Wednesday quit the government in order to support the opposition presidential candidate, reported Agence France-Presse. That is despite the opposition candidate making a number of policy statements that appear hostile to the industry.

Faizer Mustapha (pictured), an adviser to current president Mahinda Rajapakse as well as a deputy minister of investment, has joined forces with challenger Maithripala Sirisena.

Mr Sirisena has promised in his manifesto to cancel a casino licence – reportedly given to Australia’s Crown Resorts Ltd – if he wins the January 8 vote, said Reuters news agency.

He has also vowed to withdraw tax concessions granted to foreign-funded casinos.

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