Govt. insists the main focus of the proposed Indian- funded project is to further enhance and conserve the sacred city By Ishu Bandara The new Anuradhapura Sacred Area Development Plan, gazetted by the National Physical Planning Department on February 27, has sparked considerable public discussion, with questions being raised about its potential impact on [...]
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The new Anuradhapura Sacred Area Development Plan, gazetted by the National Physical Planning Department on February 27, has sparked considerable public discussion, with questions being raised about its potential impact on the historic Buddhist city, its religious significance and the concerns of some residents over the possible effects on their land, homes and livelihoods.
National Physical Planning Department (NPPD) Director General Ruchira Vithana claimed that, before the gazette on the Anuradhapura Sacred City Development Plan was published, the proposed plan had been presented to the former Atamasthanadhipathi, Most Venerable Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thera, and his approval had been obtained.
However, until recently the contents of the gazette were not known to the public and has now being drawn into a discussion.
According to the gazette, the government has proposed expanding the sacred area from approximately 28 to 38 square kilometres, with an estimated investment of up to Rs. 8.8 billion.
Devotees flock to Ruwanweliseya. Pic by Indika Handuwala
The Sunday Times contacted Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi to clarify details of the proposed Anuradhapura Sacred City Development Programme. However, citing his busy schedule, the minister requested that his media secretary provide the initial information.
The Media Secretary Gunarathna Wikramathilaka, said the development programme had been prepared jointly by the Chief Incumbent of the Atamasthana, members of the Maha Sangha, the Anuradhapura District Secretary, the Urban Development Authority (UDA), the Department of Physical Planning, the Department of Archaeology and the Central Cultural Fund.
He said the Anuradhapura Urban Development Plan for 2021-2030 had already been prepared as part of the initiative. He also recalled that in 2025, during his visit to Sri Lanka, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expressed his willingness to support the development project. Following the presentation of the development plan to the President, instructions had been given to begin the project, he added.
Clarifying the funding arrangements, Mr. Wikramathilaka said the initial development work was being carried out using government funds. He stressed that the Indian government has not provided any financial assistance for the project so far.
However, due to a lack of discussions earlier on the project has drawn controversy with some fearing that the Anuradhapura Sacred Area Development Plan could pave the way for the construction of other religious places of worship within the sacred area. Anuradhapura holds a special place in Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage, and any proposed changes that could affect its religious character have therefore become a sensitive issue.
A new signboard points to the ruins of Kaali kovil
Anuradhapura has been a centre of Buddhist worship for more than 2,200 years, attracting generations of devotees to its sacred sites. Home to the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Ruwanweliseya, Thuparamaya, Abhayagiriya, Jetavanaramaya, Mirisawetiya, Lankaramaya and Lovamahapaya, collectively known as the Atamasthana, the city also has other important religious landmarks, including Isurumuniya and the Samadhi Buddha statue. Its historical and religious significance was recognised by UNESCO in 1982, when the Sacred City of Anuradhapura was declared a World Heritage Site.
The city draws large crowds during important religious events such as Poson, Esala and Aluth Sahal Mangallaya. Even on other days, devotees visit its temples and sacred sites to pray, offer flowers and observe religious traditions passed down through generations.
An Anuradhapura resident told the Sunday Times that a new signboard identifying a site as a ‘Kali Kovil’ had recently appeared about 600 metres along the road from Thuparamaya towards the Lankaramaya. The resident said the location was within the Atamasthana (eight sacred sites) area of the Sacred City. The resident also pointed out another recently established place of worship expressing concern that it could eventually be developed into a ‘Rama Kovil’.
Responding to public concerns about the possible construction of kovils and other religious buildings within the sacred area, Mr Wikramathilaka said that Anuradhapura was recognised as a Buddhist sacred city. He said archaeological evidence had so far revealed only the ruins of a Kali Kovil dating back to around the 10th century AD.
He added that there was no archaeological evidence of a Rama Kovil or any other newly constructed religious building within the area. He also stressed that the construction of new religious buildings was not permitted under the provisions of the Archaeology Ordinance.
Meanwhile, National Physical Planning Department (NPPD) Director General Ruchira Vithana also rejected criticisms of the February 2026 gazette notification, saying it had been misinterpreted. He clarified that the development plan did not propose new shrines, kovils or flower altars, nor would it restrict devotees from visiting sacred sites.
Addressing concerns over the proposed fencing near the Ruwanweli Maha Seya, Mr Vithana said a protective fence had been constructed about 500 metres from the stupa to safeguard the archaeological site and prevent stray animals from entering the protected area. He added that plans were also in place to put up an environmentally friendly bio-fence using plants and trees.
He said complaints had been lodged with the CID over misleading statements that could create religious tensions.
To clarify the current situation regarding the proposed Anuradhapura Sacred Area Development Plan, the Sunday Times spoke to Urban Development Authority (UDA) Director General Eng. Damith Dissanayake, who assured that the programme would not harm any sacred sites or undermine the Buddhist heritage of the Anuradhapura Sacred City.
Mr Dissanayake said the President had established an Advisory Council on October 30, t o oversee key decisions relating to the conservation, management, planning and development of the Anuradhapura Sacred Area.
According to Mr Dissanayake, the 32-member council is co-chaired by Most Venerable Ethalawetunuwewe Gnanathilaka Thera and Presidential Chief of Staff Prabath Chandrakeerthi. It also comprises religious leaders and government officials representing various state departments, municipal authorities and regional development sectors.
He further said that the UDA and the National Physical Planning Department (NPPD) were working together on the development activities of Anuradhapura City. A draft development proposal, jointly prepared by the two institutions, had already been submitted to the Indian High Commission, following discussions at a meeting held on October 1.
Meanwhile, Mr Dissanayake said that 45 projects had already been submitted to the Department of National Planning as projects valued at more than Rs. 10 million require its approval.
He said that authorities planned to take up the projects in batches of 10. Each batch would undergo the necessary surveys and preliminary assessments before implementation.
The Sunday Times also attempted to contact Most Venerable Eethalawetunuwewe Gnanathilaka Thera, the Acting Chief Prelate of the Atamasthana, but he was overseas.
The Sunday Times spoke to several senior officials and key stakeholders involved in the Anuradhapura Sacred Area Development Plan to clarify concerns and areas of uncertainty surrounding the recently published gazette notification.
Most Ven.Thrilkunamale Ananda Mahanayake Thera
The Venerable Thera told the Sunday Times that the public had no reason to fear, as the committee, which includes the Atamasthanadhipathi Theras, was working under their guidance to protect and preserve the Buddha Sasana.
He further said that construction activities, particularly along the approach to Anuradhapura city, had affected its sacred environment and aesthetic appearance. He added that the President’s Secretary had recently given a personal assurance that steps would be taken to restore and enhance the city’s sacred character, dignity and beauty.
He also expressed confidence that the government would not take any unnecessary measures that could hurt the sentiments or rights of the Buddhist community, as Buddhists constitute the majority of the country’s population. He added that taking action against the interests of the Buddhist community could also damage the Government’s public image.
Deputy Sanghanayaka of Colombo Nava Korale of the Malwatte Chapter of the Siyam Upali Nikaya, Shasthrapathi Most Ven. Pallewewa Dharmakeerthi Thera
The Ven.Dharmakeerthi Thera, said that he had studied the gazette and welcomed several aspects of the proposed Plan.
“Expanding the Sacred Area from the original 28 square kilometres declared in 1981 to 38 square kilometres is a positive move, as it will bring additional historically and archaeologically important sites within the protected area. The decision to prohibit the construction of new sacred places within the highly sensitive zones is also commendable.
“However, all development activities should be carried out with the approval and guidance of the Chief Incumbent of the Atamasthana in Anuradhapura,” the venerable Thera said.
“Developing infrastructure facilities at the Atamasthana and other sacred sites would be beneficial to devotees. The proposed tree-planting programme is also a good initiative. However, the proposed protective fence around the Ruwanweli Maha Seya is unnecessary, as an elephant barrier is already in place,” the Thera said.
Commenting on India’s financial assistance and involvement in the project, the Thera said Sri Lanka’s historical and religious connections with India dates back to the eras of Emperor Ashoka and King Devanampiyatissa.
“We cannot ignore the longstanding relationship between India and Sri Lanka. India is also a powerful country in South Asia, and it is not surprising that it is providing financial assistance and becoming involved in such projects, particularly at a time when there is competition with China in the region.
“However, whatever the involvement of foreign countries, these development activities must be carried out without causing harm to Buddhist devotees or undermining their religious beliefs and practices,” he said.
Ven.Waththewewe Dhammananda Himi Thera
Ven. Watthewa Dammananda Thera said that they were concerned about the proposed development plan and were still examining the provisions of the published gazette. He stressed that the plan should not result in the destruction of the country’s cultural and Buddhist heritage.
“We can see that Buddhist temples in various parts of the country are facing difficulties, with some being taken over by others and our valuable ancient heritage being destroyed. There appears to be a growing trend of such incidents, several of which we have heard about in recent days.
“We have also witnessed similar incidents in India, including the Varanasi (Banaras) issue. Therefore, we must remain particularly vigilant and concerned about possible Indian involvement in these developments,” he said.
Sri Dalada Maligawa Diyawadana Nilame, Pradeep Nilanga Dela
The Sri Dalada Maligawa Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela said they had heard about the proposal and were studying it.
He said that if the Mahanayaka Theras invited them for a discussion, they would present their views. However, no such discussion had taken place so far. He declined to comment further or provide a statement to the media on his personal views.
All Ceylon Buddhist Congress (ACBC) Chairman Chandra Nimal Wakishta
All Ceylon Buddhist Congress Chairman Chandra Nimal Wakishta said that the organisation was still studying the proposed developments plan and would communicate its views on the matter soon.
National Council for Education ACBC Vice Chairman Priyantha Dayaratne
Sharing his personal views Mr Dayaratne said discussions had been held among members of the ACBC regarding the proposal. He said, “Development is welcome, but there is concern about the manner in which it is being carried out.”
He stressed that the authorities must understand the religious significance of sacred sites and recognise the importance of Buddhist places of worship, just as other religious sites, such as Mecca and Calvary, are deeply revered by their respective devotees.
Mr Dayaratne also questioned the Department of Archaeology’s use of the term “Smaraka” (monuments) in official documents, saying it failed to reflect the religious significance of these sacred sites, where devotees have worshiped for generations. Share This Post Tweet Facebook Twitter Email × Send Email to Friend
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