Paul KeenanSri Lanka – The bishops’ conference has condemned plans for a luxury casino resort in the country. Under plans backed by government and set to be funded by an Australian gambling magnate, an area centred on the western village of Katana has been earmarked for major multi-million euro development. Katana was reportedly chosen due to its proximity to an international airport.
In a statement on the plans, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, president of the Sri Lankan Conference of Catholic Bishops denounced the scheme. “This will threaten the traditional spiritual values of our motherland,” he said. This land, which feeds most of the great religious traditions of the world, is not for sale. And I ask those who love our country to protect it and to oppose this project. Yes to development, but not at the cost of our dignity.”