Namal Rajapaksa says Asia’s rise must balance modern development, technology, culture and human dignity.
Namal Rajapaksa says Asia’s development must move forward in harmony with civilisation, warning that technology should serve humanity, not dominate it.
The National Organiser of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna and Member of Parliament made the remarks while addressing the 2026 Asian Cultural Public Welfare Forum held in Hong Kong on the 15th.
Speaking at the forum, Rajapaksa discussed the need to pursue modern technology and development while preserving the cultural identity of the Asian region.
He said the world’s noblest achievements can only be reached when there is proper balance between development and civilisation.
“Today, the driving force of the global economy is moving towards the East. By 2030, it is expected that nearly 60% of global GDP growth will come from Asia.
“However, the main question before us is whether our civilisational identity will be preserved within this development we achieve. Technology should serve humanity, not dominate it.
“Sri Lanka, with a recorded history of over two thousand years, is a country that proved to the world the relationship that should exist between development and nature.
“Through the concept of ‘tank, dagoba, village, temple’, our ancestors demonstrated sustainable development in practice.
“My father, Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa, was a leader who integrated this ancient balance into modern policies.
“While constructing skyscrapers and modern ports, he constantly focused on empowering rural people and preserving cultural values.
“Today we face many challenges such as digital inequality and climate change. As stated in the Dhammapada, heedfulness and attentiveness is the path to victory.
“Our development should not be a journey that destroys the soul. While artificial intelligence and modern technology should be utilised for welfare, care must also be taken to ensure that this does not lead to social isolation.
“The responsibility entrusted to young leaders of my generation is not merely to think about election victories, but to leave behind a sustainable world for many future generations.
“Asia should not only grow economically, but also provide moral and cultural leadership to the world.
“It is my belief that the strength of a civilisation is measured not by military power, but by the quality of life and human dignity enjoyed by its inhabitants.”
