Development Lotteries Board Increases Contributions to President’s Fund and Government

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena urged Asian countries to commit to creating a poverty-free Asia with equitable prosperity. Speaking at the BOAO Forum for Asia Annual Conference 2024 in Hainan, China, he commended China’s remarkable success in lifting millions out of poverty under the leadership of President Xi Jinping, suggesting it as a model for other nations facing poverty challenges.
The Prime Minister emphasized the need for initiatives to boost agricultural growth and food security, highlighting their role in eradicating poverty and promoting social harmony and peace. He also stressed the importance of utilizing renewable energy sources.
Discussing Sri Lanka’s developments in Colombo Port, Hambantota Port, and Colombo Port City, including the new Colombo Financial Center, he envisioned these projects transforming the region into a major financial hub for rapid progress.
In his address at the conference, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude to President Xi Jinping for his leadership in driving China’s economic growth, which he views as beneficial for the global economy. He underscored the need for addressing renewable energy, climate change, and the blue economy in collaboration with countries across Asia.
He cited China’s success in poverty alleviation and agricultural innovation as examples to emulate, emphasizing the historical challenges faced by populations in achieving food security and environmental sustainability.
Pointing out that the BOAO conference represents nearly half of the new investments in renewable energy, the Prime Minister highlighted the importance of cooperation in advancing these initiatives to secure a sustainable future. He pledged Sri Lanka’s support for maritime trade in the Indian Ocean and acknowledged China’s assistance in the country’s port development.
The Conference was inaugurated by Zhao Leiji, President of the National People’s Congress of the Chinese Communist Party, and attended by Presidents of Kazakhstan, Nauru, former United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, who currently leads the Global Green Growth Institute.