Former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who returned to Sri Lanka after a private visit to India and Nepal, has proposed the building of a temple in Lumbini, which is the birthplace of the Buddha.

During his recent visit to Nepal and India, Wickremesinghe visited Lumbini and Kapilavastu where he engaged in religious observances.

Addressing a public event recently, the former President had pointed out that Sri Lanka should look at constructing a temple in Lumbini and assist in the upkeep of the sacred site for Buddhists. He had further pointed out that the Lumbini premises were in need of assistance and that millionaire benefactors in Sri Lanka could look into this.

He had noted that while the discussion on the matter was being carried out by the Foreign Ministry, everyone should look at supporting the move.

Wickremesinghe had further added that there was also a need to support Kapilavastu, since there was much to be done there as well.