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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The High Commission of Canada to Sri Lanka has announced the Sri Lankan recipients of the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) for 2026, highlighting the country’s vibrant civil society and grassroots leadership.

Among the selected partners are Eastern Self Reliant Community Awakening Organisation, H/Sri Kawantissa Vocational Training Center, National Peace Council of Sri Lanka, Sevalanka Foundation, South Asian Women in Media, Sri Lanka Unites, The Butterfly Peace Garden, and Transparency International Sri Lanka.

These organizations will implement projects advancing inclusive governance, climate action, peacebuilding, and economic growth. 

Their initiatives span areas such as women’s and youth empowerment, climate-smart agriculture, civic and digital rights, anti-corruption, safe migration, and gender equality.

The High Commission noted that while many strong proposals were received, CFLI remains a highly competitive program designed to support small-scale, high-impact projects led by local partners. 

Unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to reapply during the next call for proposals in late 2026. (Newswire)

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The Government of Japan has extended a grant of US$ 2.5 million to Sri Lanka to support a three-year project aimed at strengthening anti-corruption mechanisms and promoting transparency and accountability in public governance.

The project will be implemented with the assistance of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and is designed to enhance institutional capacity to combat corruption, improve transparency in public administration and investments, and ensure effective prosecution and public accountability.

A formal agreement was signed this morning at the Japanese Embassy in Colombo between Japanese Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Akio Isomata, and UNDP Resident Representative Azusa Kubota, in the presence of Minister of Justice Harsha Nanayakkara.

The initiative will focus on strengthening governance mechanisms to prevent institutional corruption, enhancing investigation procedures, improving coordination among stakeholders, empowering citizens, and reinforcing the quality of legal actions related to corruption cases. The project also seeks to promote civic engagement in anti-corruption efforts, particularly among youth, media professionals, and children.

Key government officials, including Attorney General Parinda Ranasinghe, Presidential Secretary Nandika Sanath Kumaranayake, Justice Ministry Secretary Ayesha Jinadasa, and Commissioners of the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption, as well as representatives from the Japanese Embassy and UNDP, were present at the signing ceremony. (Newswire)

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The proposal by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to establish a ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ Fund has received Cabinet approval.

Cabinet Spokesman Minister Nalinda Jayatissa said that approval was also granted to appoint a Presidential Task Force for the management of the Fund. 

He said as per the proposal, the ‘Clean Sri Lanka’ programme will be implemented under the Presidential Secretariat and the Administrative Board will be in charge of the funds. (Newswire)

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The Japanese government has agreed to provide USD 38 million to Sri Lanka for the purchase of fuel, mainly Diesel, in order to carry out uninterrupted essential and emergency health services in Sri Lanka.

Cabinet spokesman Minister Bandula Gunawardena told the media today that the funds are being provided under the economic and social development programme of Japan.

He further said that thereby, a proposal has been submitted by the President, in his capacity as the Minister of Finance, to make necessary arrangements to sign the agreement with the Japanese Government in this regard.

The Cabinet of Ministers has granted its approval to the proposal submitted by the President on the agreement to be drawn to obtain funds from the Government of Japan. (NewsWire)

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