Former State Minister Diana Gamage has stirred controversy by openly celebrating the government’s embrace of casinos, cannabis exports, and a 24-hour Colombo city lifestyle policies once fiercely opposed by the ruling party itself.
Former State Minister Diana Gamage has expressed delight over the government’s recent policy shifts, praising President Anura Kumara Dissanayake and his administration for adopting measures that they once condemned while in opposition.
“I am very happy. What should be done is happening. I am very happy that this government has realized that everything that was opposed when it was in opposition is now right,” Gamage declared.
She highlighted three major policy changes that align with her long-time proposals. “It is not because they think it is right that casinos are now being opened. They are legalizing the export of cannabis. That is all I talked about, making Colombo a city that does not sleep. I talked about Marine Drive. These places should be kept open 24 hours. They cannot be closed and attract tourists,” she said.
The former state minister made these remarks while participating in the Hiru Mark program, stressing that a modernized tourism model with legalized casinos, regulated cannabis exports, and round-the-clock entertainment zones is essential for Sri Lanka’s economic revival.
Her statements have reignited debate on the country’s tourism and economic strategy, drawing both support and criticism. While some argue that such reforms could boost foreign investment, tourism, and employment, others see them as a threat to cultural and social values.
With cannabis cultivation for export now legalized, casinos expanding, and Colombo’s nightlife being positioned as a central attraction, Gamage insists Sri Lanka is finally moving in the right direction. Her bold endorsement of these changes, however, is bound to spark political clashes within a country already divided over the balance between tradition and modernization.
