Sri Lanka: Covid-19 restrictions eased but casinos remain closed

Authorities have announced a relaxation in Covid-19 countermeasures in Sri Lanka, but casinos will remain closed until further notice.

Sri Lanka.- The government of Sri Lanka have announced that it has started to relax some Covid-19 restrictions, but casinos, night clubs and betting centres will remain closed.

Under new rules, gyms and indoor sporting centres are allowed to reopen following health guidelines. Public transport is also allowed to operate at 50 per cent capacity while transport services in the Western province are allowed to work at 30 per cent seating capacity. Restrictions on interprovincial travel will continue until July 19 as a precautionary measure.

Sri Lanka’s port city development receives approval

In May, a bill to support the China-backed port city development was approved by 149 votes in Sri Lanka’s 225-member parliament.

The development is expected to include an integrated resort with casinos, an entertainment zone, a conference centre, residential developments and a financial zone.

Sri Lanka’s Supreme Court had previously suggested ways to amend the bill so it would comply with the national constitution. It said that some clauses had to be approved in a public referendum.

The Sri Lankan government hopes the project could help the country’s recovery after the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, opposition parties argue that the project could see Sri Lanka lose control of its territory to China.