In the historic city of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, three Buddhist monks commenced a hunger strike on Wednesday, urging the government to rescind a development plan for the sacred pilgrimage center. The contention centers around a gazette notification issued by the National Physical Planning Department on February 27, which outlines an updated Anuradhapura Sacred Area Development Plan. This proposal seeks to expand the designated sacred zone from 28 to 38 square kilometers, aiming to improve infrastructure, sanitation, transport, and facilities for pilgrims and tourists.
However, some Buddhist monks and residents are apprehensive that redevelopment could alter the character of an area revered as one of Sri Lanka's most significant centers of Buddhist worship. Concerns have been raised over potential religious structures being built within the expanded zone, restrictions on religious activities, and plans to erect protective fencing around important Buddhist monuments.
Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been a hub of Buddhist worship for over 2,200 years. It is home to several revered sites, including the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred fig tree believed to have grown from a sapling of the tree under which Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment, and the Ruwanweli Maha Seya stupa. Together with other significant landmarks, these form the city's Atamasthana, or eight sacred places.
The dispute has also centered on a reported signboard identifying a site within the Atamasthana area as a Kali Kovil. Residents have expressed concerns about the presence of other religious structures within the sacred zone. However, Ruchira Vithana, the National Physical Planning Department director general, has dismissed allegations that the gazette allows new religious buildings or restricts devotees from visiting sacred sites. He has said archaeological evidence points to the ruins of a 10th-century Kali Kovil in the area, but there is no evidence of a newly constructed Rama Kovil or other religious buildings. He has also stated that the Archaeology Ordinance prohibits unauthorized construction.
The government maintains that the plan aims to conserve the historic city and improve facilities without altering its religious character. Officials have said the development proposal was prepared in consultation with religious authorities and government agencies, including the Urban Development Authority and the Department of Archaeology. A protective barrier near Ruwanweli Maha Seya, they say, is intended to safeguard the archaeological site and keep stray animals away, with an environmentally friendly bio-fence also planned.
The agitation has escalated into a sit-in protest led by Ven Balangoda Kassapa Thera. Protesters clashed with police over the construction of an elevated structure, following which a magistrate's court ordered them to vacate areas around Ruwanweli Maha Seya and Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and remove their temporary tents. The protesters remain at the site despite the order. Kassapa announced on Wednesday that the three monks had not eaten solid food since lunch on Tuesday. He appealed to supporters not to bring them liquids and said the hunger strike would continue until the government withdrew the gazette and secured the release of Buddhist monk Galagodaatte Gnanasara, who has returned to prison to serve the remainder of a six-year sentence for contempt of court in a case concerning the disappearance of a journalist.