Dr Sarath Obeysekera

News item 

Two chinese parties clash in port city 

Sri Lanka has welcomed foreign investment for many decades, and responsible investors from China, India, Japan, Europe, the Middle East, and many other countries have made valuable contributions to our economy. However, investment and criminal activity are two very different matters, and the latter must never be tolerated regardless of the nationality of those involved.

Recent media reports of violent clashes involving foreign nationals, ( presumably Chinese} allegations surrounding illegal online betting operations, and investigations into large sums of unexplained cash have raised legitimate public concerns. Reports of disputes involving Chinese nationals, together with allegations of financial fraud and illegal gambling networks, have highlighted the need for stronger law enforcement and financial oversight.

My earlier article on foreign-owned betting platforms pointed out the rapid growth of offshore online gambling targeting Sri Lankan users. Many such platforms operate under overseas licences, making regulation difficult while facilitating large cross-border financial transactions.

Foreign-Owned Betting Platforms and the Growing Gambling Culture in Sri Lanka

The more serious concern is not simply gambling itself but the possibility that illegal gambling operations can become linked with money laundering, organised crime, cyber fraud, extortion, and other criminal activities. These are challenges faced by many countries and require constant vigilance.

The recent reports of large amounts of cash—running into tens of millions of rupees—being found in criminal investigations naturally raise questions about the source of these funds. Whether such money originates from illegal betting, cybercrime, narcotics, financial fraud, or other unlawful activities is a matter for the Police and the Financial Intelligence Unit to investigate thoroughly.

Sri Lanka should therefore strengthen its regulatory framework by:

• Conducting strict due diligence on foreign businesses and investors operating in sensitive sectors.
• Enforcing anti-money laundering regulations through the Financial Intelligence Unit and commercial banks.
• Monitoring online betting and digital payment systems more effectively.
• Strengthening cooperation between the Police, Immigration Department, Telecommunications Regulatory Commission, and international law enforcement agencies.
• Taking swift legal action against any individual or organisation involved in criminal activity, irrespective of nationality or political influence.

At the same time, Sri Lanka must avoid unfairly generalising about any nationality. The overwhelming majority of Chinese nationals living or working in Sri Lanka are law-abiding investors, professionals, employees, or tourists who contribute positively to the economy. Criminal responsibility lies with individuals and organised criminal groups, not with an entire community.

As Sri Lanka seeks to attract greater foreign investment, including developments in Port City Colombo, maintaining law and order becomes even more important. Genuine investors expect a country where the rule of law is respected, organised crime is suppressed, and regulations are enforced fairly and transparently.

Sri Lanka has every right to welcome legitimate foreign investment while taking firm action against illegal gambling, money laundering, organised crime, and any activities that threaten national security or public confidence. Strong institutions—not prejudice—are the best defence against criminal infiltration.

Regards

Dr Sarath Obeysekera