New proposals and projects for the Ministry of Buddhist, Religious and Cultural Affairs for the year 2027 including the establishment of a new fund with a formal mechanism for contemporary arts and artists were also discussed. Participated this afternoon (30) in a discussion held at the Presidential Secretariat to review the progress of projects being implemented under the 2026 Budget allocations for the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and to discuss proposals for the 2027 Budget. The meeting included a comprehensive review of the progress achieved so far, future plans and the 2027 Budget proposals relating to projects implemented under the three main sectors of the Ministry: the Buddhasasana and Religious Affairs Sector, the Cultural Affairs Sector and the National Heritage Sector. These projects are being carried out under recurrent expenditure allocations of Rs. 9,535.45 million and capital expenditure allocations of Rs. 5,401.40 million for 2026. Also emphasized that a nation cannot be built by completely severing its historical roots and creating a society detached from its heritage. Instead, national development must be based on a strong and enduring connection with its heritage and those historical foundations. I also pointed out that, due to the failure to properly establish the country's cultural foundation within the present context, it has at times been misused against others or for divisive and extremist purposes. The progress of projects aimed at developing infrastructure at rural places of worship, as well as the development of Daham Pasal serving Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Muslim communities, was also reviewed. I further highlighted the importance of transforming museums beyond conventional buildings into spaces where people can experience history in a more engaging and immersive manner through the use of modern technology. Attention was also drawn to longstanding weaknesses and irregularities in the management of properties belonging to the Department of the Public Trustee. I instructed officials to conduct a formal review of trusts that are incurring losses or failing to deliver effective outcomes and to establish a new legal framework to ensure their proper management. The meeting also discussed new proposals and plans for the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs for 2027, including the establishment of a new fund with a structured mechanism to support contemporary art and artists.