The President recently laid the foundation for a Sama Stupa in Anuradhapura in keeping with the public undertaking he had given to construct such Stupas in all provinces. Anuradhapura is perhaps the most celebrated place to construct a Stupa to commemorate the end of terrorism and in remembrance of the commitment of the armed forces personnel and those who sacrificed their lives. Unlike the Mahaveli Stupa which experienced construction difficulties, the Sama Stupa will be completed without delay.

Incapacitated and disabled armed forces personnel are now being looked after not only by the Government but also by societies, institutions and even by good-natured, individuals. Most of the personnel incapacitated are young and perhaps in their early twenties. As they advance in age, their condition may get worse and they may need much more medical treatment and close attention. In forty years time, those who are now committed to look after them may not be there or may not be in a position to offer the same commitment. Those with amputated limbs and subject to other ailments in old age will need devoted personal attention.

Those who are born in a few years time, will not appreciate the dedication and sacrifices of the armed forces. Such persons who have not experienced terrorism and the suffering the people of all communities underwent, will also not be aware that most armed forces personnel were from poor families and from remote villages and that they sacrificed their young lives to save the nation from terrorism. As such, the commitment to look after the armed force personnel may not be forthcoming as it is now, and they cannot be blamed for it. Even the political commitment will not be forthcoming in thirty to forty years with such vigour and enthusiasm.

Thus instead of more Stupas, construction of rehabilitation centres will be more beneficial, with provision for expansion depending on the increasing need for residential accommodation for those requiring specialised attention in forty to fifty years time. Thus, instead of Sama Stupas, Ranaviru Sama Rehabilitation Centres could be constructed in all provinces including the North and East to provide the same services to ex-LTTE cadres and victims.

Generous philanthropists have been constructing Stupas for temples, and stupa construction will continue without the Government having to incur the cost of construction. Prior to independence, many philanthropists had constructed and financed centres to look after old persons, orphans, mentally retarded persons and even today, the public gratefully remember those philanthropists with gratitude.