Sri Lanka should be promoted for culture and heritage but not for entertainment: Minister

Jan 16, 2015 (LBO) –Sri Lanka will be promoted for its culture and heritage under the new government rather than a place of entertainment Minister of Investment Promotion said today. In terms of tourism Sri Lanka sold its tourism based on historical places and cultural attractions, Kabir Hashim, Minister of Investment Promotion and Highways said.

That is why people came here to look at our rich culture,

But in the last couple of years people are using this as a destination to come and have entertainment (fun),

"We don't believe that Sri Lanka should be marketed in that way. These investments would be looked at very carefully,

"If there are investments that are not in line with Sri Lanka's religious beliefs and culture then we will not - even if it means they are huge in terms of money, we will not be able to consider them."

Hashim said that includes the casino projects as well.

He was speaking to journalists after assuming duties today.

President Maithripala Sirisena has stated in his manifasto to cancel the casino licenses given to John Keells Holdings and Australian James Packer, who is in the casino business.

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