President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced that a new fund will be established in 2027 to provide structured, evidence‑based support for contemporary art and artists, underscoring the government’s commitment to fostering artistic excellence and sustainable cultural development.

Speaking at the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs’ pre‑budget discussion at the Presidential Secretariat yesterday (30), the President stressed that physical development alone is insufficient to build a nation. 

He emphasized that sustainable progress must be rooted in a strong connection to culture, values, and historical heritage. “No nation can achieve lasting development without maintaining deep‑rooted ties to its cultural values and identity,” he said, adding that cultural foundations are essential for unity, mutual understanding, and peaceful coexistence.

The meeting reviewed projects implemented under the 2026 Budget, which included recurrent expenditure of Rs. 9,535.45 million and capital expenditure of Rs. 5,401.40 million. 

Among the initiatives discussed were the allocation of Rs. 601 million for infrastructure development at rural places of worship, covering alms halls, water supply improvements, Daham Pasal facilities serving multiple faiths, and reconstruction of sites damaged by cyclone Ditwah.

Progress on the Indian‑assisted solar power project for religious institutions was also examined, with the President directing officials to resolve land‑related issues to ensure successful implementation.

Attention was given to cultural centres supported by Rs. 521 million, including the construction of the Amaradeva Asapuwa, digitisation of the National Archives, and installation of a mobile shelving system. 

The President highlighted the importance of bringing Sri Lanka’s heritage closer to younger generations, urging the digitisation of the National Museum and National Archives and transforming museums into interactive learning spaces through modern technology.

Minister Hinduma Sunil Senevi confirmed plans to revive neglected projects initiated between 2018 and 2019, such as the National Art Gallery, John de Silva Memorial Theatre, and Amaradeva Asapuwa. 

The President instructed that the renovation of the National Art Gallery be completed before the end of this year, addressing delays caused by substandard construction work. Reviews also covered the renovation of the National Library building, as well as ongoing programmes and future initiatives undertaken by the Arts Council and the National Film Corporation.

Expressing concern over irregularities in the Department of the Public Trustee, the President called for legislative amendments to prevent misuse of public assets and ensure proper governance of trusts. He directed officials to conduct a comprehensive review of unprofitable or ineffective trusts and to establish a new legal framework for their management. 

In addition, noting that several institutions under the Ministry currently perform overlapping functions, he instructed officials to prepare proposals to consolidate such institutions to improve efficiency and eliminate duplication. (Newswire)

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