Crown has big casino plans in Sri Lanka James Packer's casino operation, Crown, has publicly confirmed for the first time that it is in detailed discussions with the Sri Lankan government and potential joint venture partners regarding the development of a casino resort in the island nation's capital, Colombo. If it goes ahead, the $400 million venture, branded "Crown Sri Lanka," will include 450 rooms and suites, and mirror Crown's developments in Australia with a combination of fine dining and entertainment options. ""A Crown integrated resort would help redefine luxury tourism in Sri Lanka and play a significant role in helping to drive increased international in-bound tourism especially from India and China,"" said Crown's executive chairman James Packer. Crown said that both the Sri Lankan Parliament and the Sri Lankan Board of Investment are in the process of considering whether it is appropriate to grant investment approvals for the project. It is understood legislation is expected to go before the Sri Lankan parliament later this month to grant the tax concessions that are a condition of Mr Packer's investment. The company said the project was also subject to final agreement between the potential joint venture parties and receipt of a number of other approvals. Crown said it will provide further details regarding this proposed joint venture project if a final agreement is reached and the necessary approvals are obtained. Sri Lanka, which is still recovering from a devastating civil war, has set up legalised gambling zones and introduced tax concessions to attract foreign investors. Crown is not the only casino group showing interest. Sheldon Adelson's Las Vegas Sands has reportedly exploring investment options in Sri Lanka after being rebuffed by India. And MGM Resorts and Caesars Entertainment have also been in talks with Indian group Delta Corp, which owns a casino in Colombo and several more in India. India's gambling market is limited to two states, Goa and Sikkim, and laws prevent direct foreign investment. As with China's gambling enclave, Macau, it is India's resistance to gambling on the subcontinent that is expected to allow Sri Lanka - just a four-hour flight from India's major cities - to thrive as a gambling hub.