The new members of the Colombo Port City (CPC) Commission were recently appointed. How can the CPC be used more to stabilize the economy? Some wanted it converted into a botanical garden while others proposed health tourism, F1 racing & casinos etc. Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) in China (which is mostly reclaimed land) is one case study. The Portuguese sailed east in 1505 passing Sri Lanka looking for silk & spices. Macau region in Great China was hence, colonized. It’s not clear if they wouldn’t have sailed to China if the ‘Seda – Watta’ silk project was a success.

What is Macau?

Macau SAR was ruled by the Portuguese since 1505 till 1999 & December 2024 marks 25 years of post colonial Chinese rule. China established the Macao SAR (similar to Hong Kong) as part of ‘One Country – Many Systems’ & developed Macau focusing on the Casino Industry & tourism. As a result Macao achieved unprecedented socio-economic progress marking its GDP at approx 47 billion USD in 2023. It is one of the top global economies & its per capita GDP rose from USD 15,000 (1999) to USD 69,000 (2023). Chinese government’s Macao post COVID economic recovery programs have proved highly successful (Ref Macau statistics).

Confused Collage.

Some Sri Lankans may say that despite many recovery plans Sri Lanka may have missed opportunities. On the Casino topic, the cultural collage may have confused Sri Lankans to miss Australian investor James Packer (worth nearly A$ 5 billion) who’s gambling empire spans from high end Casinos in Macau to London (ref. Financial Review Rich List). As the Sri Lankan market is comparatively small, using the CPC, Sri Lanka can attract more Indian gamblers as the Indian casino tourism industry is predicted to be 27.5 billion USD (2034) & it is approx 7.2 billion USD (2024) (Ref. FMI statistics). With the expected expansions in the Indian economy Sri Lanka may use its collage with large Indian patches for economic stability. If new regulations can be fast approved & implemented casinos would attract more offering more than gambling promoting culture, wildlife, archaeology & even meditation which might come handy to gamble in style.

Low key Casinos.

The culture collage which staged dramas such as ‘Naina-ge Sooduwa’ (Naina’s gambling den) may have painted a negative image on the casinos in Sri Lanka. However, a shift in the attitude about casinos may be changed as in India (which has stronger cultural aspects) if economic recovery is needed. It may reduce internal conflicts with more employment & economic opportunities.  Though statistics aren’t available on the economic contributions of the stage dramas & the gambling dens, latter may have contributed more to the national economy in the long run. Back then legal loopholes may have been exploited by gamblers which popularized personalities such as John Kotelawala senior reputed for raiding illegal gambling. If economic recovery is the need, the stage should be set for new performances with proper laws to protect investors.

‘One China – Many Systems’.

D.C. Abeywardena (founder ‘Swadheena Foundation’& father of former UNP Chairman Harsha) stated that "People's thinking should be re-oriented to embrace all the people & unite them under one banner devoid of party divisions. Such a Government would be truly independent & could ensure the well being of every citizen" (May Day rally 2005 Ref. Media). Sri Lankans may learn from ‘One China with Many Systems of Government’. With the Belt & Road Initiative Sri Lankans can attract more tourists to strengthen the economy if they can better manage attitudes & perceptions.

(Views expressed are personal).