The country gambling on new casinos following economic collapse

The push is part of Sri Lanka's aim to raise tourist arrivals by 50 per cent to 3 million this year, potentially lifting revenues from the industry to $5 billion from $3.7 billion last year - (Reuters/Thilina Kaluthotage)

Sri Lanka, long a draw for its pristine beaches and ancient sites, is now seeing its first Marxist president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, bet on casinos to attract high-rollers from India and China, aiming for a new wave of foreign investment.

This strategy is paramount for Mr Dissanayake, who marks one year in office next month, as he strives to improve the lives of ordinary Sri Lankans following the devastating economic collapse of 2022 and 2023.