He said this while opening the 1500 years old Sandagiriseya, one of the oldest stupas of Sri Lanka for the worship of Sri Lanka and other Buddhist devotees in the entire world.

The President also said that he would instructe the relevant officials to take early steps to set up a modern museum for display and protection of ancient objects of cultural heritage discovered in Ruhunu Magampura Region.

The President thanked the ministry and the central cultural fund for painstaking restoration work completed very successfully to conserve the Sandagiriseya. He also unveiled the plaque of the newly restored chaiithya. The President also called on the Chief Prelate of Kirivehera ven. Kobavaka Damminda Thero.

The occasion was alsoi addressed by the Sanga Nayaka of Matara and Hambantota districts Ven.Dr Devalegama Dammasena Nayaka Thero, Ministers Sajith Premadasa, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, and the Director General of the Central Cultural Fund Prof. Prishantha Gunawardana.

The ceremony was attended by former First Lady Mrs. Hema Premadasa, Ministers Mahinda Amaraweera , Wijayadasa Rajapakhsa and the Former Speaker Chamal Rajapaksa.