Speaking to ‘Ada Derana’, prominent Sri Lankan businessman Ravi Wijeratne who was planning to set up a hotel complex opposite Lake House in Colombo in collaboration with James Packer has said that he was planning to continue this project in collaboration with another investor.

“The construction of this hotel project will not be stopped. There are future plans to continue with this project with a new investor,” said Ravi Wijeratne.

He added that future discussions would be held on this issue and that he has already paid the government for the land opposite Lake House where this project is to be implemented.

Ravi Wijeratne has also added that this project would go ahead without a casino since Colombo needs more hotels with luxury facilities to meet the fast developing tourism industry.

Meanwhile, speaking to ‘Divaina’ newspaper, deputy minister of investment promotions - Eran Wickremaratne has said that the hotel project would continue with no casinos.

James Packer recently pulled out of this hotel project after the new government refused to provide concessions to the casino business under the Strategic Projects Development Act.

The new government also imposed a massive tax of Rs. 01 billion on each casino license through its interim budget.