President wants nine stupas in nine provinces

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has drawn his attention towards building nine stupas in the nine provinces in the country to signify the reunification of the country under a single flag.

An initial discussion in this connection was held at Temple Trees chaired by the President on Tuesday, said a communique issued by the Presidential Media Division yesterday.

At this meeting, it was decided to consult reputed architects, building planners and construction engineers to select suitable locations and models of these stupas, the Communique added.

The President said alongside this program a place of worship each for Hindu, Muslim and Christian devotees would also be built in each of the nine provinces to promote unity and fraternity among all communities.

Ministers Nimal Siripala de Silva, Dr. Rajitha Senaratne, Pandu Bandaranayake and Geethanjana Gunawardene, Secretary to the President Lalith Weeratunge, Cultural Affairs Ministry Secretary G.L.W. Samarasinghe, Religious Affairs Ministry Secretary H.M. Herath and Construction and Engineering Services Ministry Secretary S.M.A.L. Gunatilleke also attended the meeting.