Sri Lanka's Gambling Regulatory Authority (GRA) has delayed the publication of its first set of gambling regulations, with officials now expecting draft rules to be released later in 2026. The revised timeline comes after the authority missed its previously announced June 30 deadline for publishing the initial regulations.
The update was provided during a meeting of the Committee on Public Finance (COPF), where GRA Chairperson N M W N Bandara and Acting Director General Gaya Adikari explained that the draft regulations are currently being reviewed by an expert committee appointed with the approval of the Cabinet of Ministers.
According to the regulator, the first phase of the framework will focus on defining authorized gambling under Section 19 of the Act, establishing licensing requirements, regulating online gambling, and introducing anti-money laundering measures. The GRA expects the review committee to submit its observations and recommendations by the end of the month before the regulations proceed further.
COPF Chairperson Harsha de Silva expressed frustration over the continued delays, noting that similar assurances had been made repeatedly since 2022.
He warned that postponements allow the gambling industry to continue expanding without a modern regulatory framework while raising concerns about Sri Lanka's growing reputation as a hub for online scams. De Silva urged the regulator to move more quickly, arguing that delaying implementation only increases the risks associated with illegal gambling and fraud.
The committee also questioned the GRA over its lack of consultation with industry participants. Both the chairperson and acting director general acknowledged that the board had not engaged with local gambling operators during the drafting process.
Lawmakers cautioned that introducing regulations without first seeking feedback from operators and other stakeholders could result in further delays if revisions become necessary after publication. They encouraged the authority to begin consultations immediately while the review process continues.
The Gambling Regulatory Authority Act, which established the new regulator and replaced several previous gambling laws, took effect on December 1, 2025. However, the supplementary regulations currently under review are required before the legislation can be fully implemented.
The Gambling Regulatory Authority Act came into force on December 1, 2025, establishing the country's new gambling regulator and replacing several older gambling laws
