Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday signed papers to establish the Mahinda Rajapaksa Centre for international relations, in Colombo. 

Commenting on the initiative, the former President expressed confidence that it would be a stepping stone for "youngsters venturing into the world of international relations, diplomacy and foreign policy.

Rajapaksa went on to add that the centre would be a point of reference for policymakers not just in but in the South East Asian region.

Parliamentarian Namal Rajapaksa was also present when the former President initiated the new project. 

Namal Rajapaksa said the facility would provide Sri Lankan and international academics more opportunities to exchange ideas and grow.