Lottery protest

The All Island Lottery Agents Association yesterday staged a protest in front of Fort Railway Station against the Government’s recent decision to increase the lottery price from Rs. 20 to Rs. 30.The large gathering of lottery agents was from different areas of the country. They demanded a revision of the recent price increase. The protesters further urged the Government to maintain the lottery price at Rs. 20 while paying their regular commission of 14.2% per ticket. All Island Lottery Agents Association Secretary Suresh Madarasinghe told Daily FT that the Government was trying to implement their decisions without taking into consideration the objections of the people.He further claimed that the Government had failed to address their demand for years. Most lottery booths were closed over the last two days to demonstrate lottery agents’ opposition. Agents in Colombo, Anuradhapura and several other areas held minor protests against the Government’s move - Pic by Kithsiri de Mel