Crown gets Sri Lanka resort nod -- but without casino permission

The Sri Lankan government has approved Crown Resorts Ltd’s plans for a $400 million casino complex and two other similar projects, but hasn’t given explicit permission to operate casinos. 

Faizer Mustapha, the deputy investment promotion minister said a new gazette notification has been issued for Packer's joint venture and two similar requests by Sri Lanka's top conglomerate John Keells Holdings and a leading local businessman Dhammika Perera respectively. A gazette notification is issued after an approval by the cabinet of ministers before being presented to the parliament. However, it seems Crown may still be able to operate a casino, as long as it is run through the company’s existing local partner, which already possesses a license in the country.

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