The foundation was laid at Central Camp yesterday to build an international school for Ampara district.
Norway’s Lotus Helpen Institute is assisting in the construction of the international school.
Speaking on the occasion, minister Daya Gamage said the school would be given facilities by the state, and that he would personally help in the construction of its building.
He also said that Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim children studying together would be a strength to national unity and that it was a meritorious deed to help children receive an education.
Stressing the need for an international school for Ampara, he said there should be an atmosphere to work together in unity and reconciliation, without confining them to mere words.
Former member of the eastern provincial council Manjula Fernando said the groundwork for ending clashes between various communities should be laid from the school.
Religious leaders, the wife of the founder of Lotus Helpen Institute Willie Peterson and political representatives of the area participated.
