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by Shirajiv Sirimane

controversial investor and former Casino operator Joe Sim is in Sri Lanka exploring the possibility of investing 500 US $ dollars on a Theme Park in Sri Lanka.

In an interview with the Daily News he said that he is planning to woo China, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam investor for this project.

He said a former Sri Lanka business colleague of him, Ranjith Dassanayake had invited him back to Sri Lanka. "I have come with a four member team who will study this proposed Theme Park proposal." He said that the team is hoping to meet the Minister of Tourism and the Minister of Interior o get the green light from the government for this proposal. "When we get the nod from these two Ministers we will go back and next time we hope to meet the Prime Minister."

Sim, a well-known figure involved in the casino business in the early 1990's said that this project will create job opportunities for nearly 10,000 people. "We hoping to acquire a 300 acre land for this project. The project will include an 18 hole golf course, 500 room five star hotel, under water sea world, wonderland, multiplex cinema complex where 12 movies could be shown daily, convention hall, exhibition area, 20 restaurants and many more entertainment features."

He said a separate Casino too would be included for the project if there is no major opposition for it.

He said that the investment for the project would come from the foreign investors and when they get the green light from the government they will commence the project from next year. "We are hoping to complete the entire project within four years."

His company, Venture Group Holding Company is involved in capital funding, real estate and building of high rise complexes. They have also invested in Vietnam and Thailand. Sim also has companies in UK, Singapore and Vietnam. "But this will be the biggest project our company will be investing in."

Asked if the break down of the Peace talks would not have an impact on them he answered in the negative. "War is a common feature almost any where in the world. As far as Sri Lanka is concerned we have confidence in the Prime Minister and I am sure he will get the Peace Process back on track shortly." Asked why he suspended his business in Sri Lanka in the late 1990's he said the political and policies of the country during the time was not in order.

"Today Sri Lanka has a fine economic and political climate ideal for any investor." General Manager Sports Information Marketing Co. Ltd, subsidiary of a Joe Sim's companies said that Sri Lanka needs a master plan to develop tourism.

"The country has every thing tailor made for tourism and when our project comes in to play it will fill a major void in the industry."

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