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by Shirajiv Sirimane

An electronic Lottery system will be introduced by the Development Lotteries Board (DLB) this year. According to the Chairman, Development Lotteries Board, J. K. Fernando, the Board is also hoping to introduce lottery vending machines, lottery kiosks and an online lottery systems this year. "Most of our clients are low-income families and we are hoping to target the middle-class families by introducing these new innovations."

He said that the DLB which is celebrating twenty years of service this year is looking at new ways of revolutionising the industry. "DLB sees itself as a regional player in time to come as technology will make boundaries redundant in this field.

For governments around the world, lotteries are important tools to mobilise funds. Our target is to increase our revenue by 20% in the next year and move upwards thereafter. Our marketing plans are geared towards that objective." He said last year was a very good year for the Lotteries Board as they recorded a turnover of Rs.3 billion. He said that due to this the plans by the government to privatise the Development Lotteries Board have been put on hold. "We are aiming to earn Rs. 5 billion this year."

"The past 20 years have been the most tumultuous in the history of Sri Lanka. Through this difficult period DLB has provided tremendous support at the grassroot level."

The Development Lotteries Board was set up in 1983 and has through the years assisted in the development of the country as one of the key annual contributors to the President's Fund and Mahapola Scholarship Fund.

DLB is organising a mega celebration for its 20th anniversary where 20 new lotteries will be introduced. Apart from the grand prize, winners will receive Rs. 3000 per month for one year. A musical concert is being organised at Parliament Grounds on January 25. DLB dealers will receive citations for outstanding performance at a Dealer Convention.

Among DLB's main benefactors is the Mahapola Scholarship Fund, which facilitates the education of thousands of students annually.

They are supported right through their higher education and many scholarship winners have reached senior positions in society and industry. The President's Fund supports the health care needs of the poorest of the poor in Sri Lanka.

The most significant among the benefactors are the patients at the Maharagama Cancer Hospital. Funds from the Development Lotteries Board are also utilised during national crises such as the drought when extensive relief was provided to Sri Lankans in the South.

The Fund also contributes towards the development of religious institutions, welfare organisations as well as sports and arts.

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