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| Sunday, 19 January 2003 |
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| News Business Features Editorial
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More exciting lotteries on the cards The Development Lotteries Board (DLB) is planning to introduce online lotteries, vending machines at supermarkets and lottery kiosks within the next few months. The plans were revealed by J.K. Fernando, Chairman DLB at a media conference to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Board. He said that plans are under way to make lotteries more user friendly, interactive and exciting by introducing new technology. DLB will introduce 20 new lotteries to commemorate its 20th anniversary. Apart from the grand prize, winners will receive Rs 3000 per month for one year while all infants born today (19) will receive a savings pass book with a deposit of Rs 1000. DLB is also organising a mega musical show at the Parliament Grounds on January 25 while there will be three cycle races starting from Matara, Balangoda and Dambulla simultaneously ending in Colombo. He said that for governments throughout the world, lotteries are an important tool to mobilise funds. In this aspect, DLB has exceeded expectations and hopes to play a more dynamic role to add value to the lives of all Sri Lankans." DLB's target is to increase the revenue by 20 per cent next year and move forward from there." DLB was established in 1983 and has been in the forefront of innovation being the first to introduce instant prize lotteries with the 'scratch and win' feature while Saturday fortune is one of the highest fund generators for DLB. Though the last 20 years was a difficult period for Sri Lanka, DLB has provided tremendous support at grass root levels. Fernando said: "As our country ushers in an era of peace and prosperity, we will provide more support for making people more self reliant and also providing opportunities for self employment. "We have introduced an innovative prize structure and give away prizes such as three-wheelers which in turn provide self employment and also items including houses, jewellery, household items and cars. These prizes are aimed at improving the life styles of low income households." DLB provides employment to thousands of people in the country through the dealer network in addition to assisting the development of the country through the years as one of the key annual contributors to the Mahapola and Presidential funds. Among DLB's main benefactors is the Mahapola Scholarship Fund, which helps in the education of thousands of students annually. The Presidential Fund supports the healthcare needs of the poorest of the poor and most benefactors are patients at the Maharagama Cancer hospital. The funds of DLB are also used during national crises and to develop religious institutions. |
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