President Anura Kumara Dissanayake announced the creation of a dedicated fund in 2027 to provide structured support for contemporary art and artists, emphasizing that cultural development is essential alongside physical infrastructure for sustainable national progress.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has declared plans to establish a new fund beginning in 2027 that will offer evidence-based support to contemporary artists and the arts sector. The announcement came during a pre-budget discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat with the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, where the President articulated his administration's commitment to balancing infrastructure development with cultural investment.
The President stressed that sustainable national development cannot rest solely on physical projects, but must be anchored in cultural values and historical heritage. He argued that strong cultural foundations are necessary for social unity, mutual understanding, and peaceful coexistence within society. This perspective shaped discussions about numerous cultural initiatives funded under the 2026 Budget, which allocated Rs. 9,535.45 million for recurrent expenditure and Rs. 5,401.40 million for capital projects.
Current cultural priorities include Rs. 521 million directed toward cultural centres, encompassing the construction of the Amaradeva Asapuwa, digitisation of the National Archives, and installation of modern shelving systems. Minister Hinduma Sunil Senevi confirmed revival efforts for previously stalled projects, including the National Art Gallery and John de Silva Memorial Theatre. The President ordered completion of the National Art Gallery renovation by year's end, citing prior construction quality issues.
Addressing concerns about heritage accessibility, the President advocated for digitising the National Museum and Archives while transforming museums into interactive learning spaces for younger audiences. He also directed a comprehensive institutional review to identify overlapping functions within the Ministry and proposed consolidation to improve operational efficiency. Additionally, legislative amendments were requested to strengthen governance of public trusts and prevent misappropriation of assets.
