An Australian group advocating on behalf of Tamil refugees is calling on Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke to re-consider a deal to promote a casino in Sri Lanka.

 

Australian billionaire James Packer’s Crown group signed up Clarke as part of its campaign to build a $400 million casino on Beira Lake in the heart of the Colombo resort district.

 

Crown says Clarke will be a mentor and role model to job seekers and trainees at the casino.

 

He will reportedly be paid a six figure sum for the role.

 

A spokesman for the Tamil Refugee Council, Trevor Grant, told NewsRadio that Clarke shouldn’t be involved.

 

Mr Grant says the government led by Mr Rajapaksa is corrupt and Clarke shouldn’t be engaging with a regime that has run a campaign of what he called genocide against its own people.

 

In a promotional video for Crown, Clarke said he looks forward to helping support and mentor young Sri Lankans and help them develop a career in hospitality.

 

Mr Packer believes a Crown casino would help boost Sri Lanka as a tourist destination, especially with tourists from India and China.

 

However, today Sri Lanka suspended final approval for two casinos including the Crown proposal.

 

Investment Promotion Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena says he has withdrawn the bill due to concerns raised within the ruling government coalition. (ABC/AFP)