The standoff centers on a government gazette that expands the sacred pilgrimage zone from 28 to 38 square kilometres to upgrade local infrastructure and visitor amenities. Demonstrators led by Ven Balangoda Kassapa Thera have already clashed with law enforcement and defied a court order demanding the removal of encampments near ancient stupas. Officials maintain the modernization framework was drafted alongside archaeological agencies and will not permit any non-Buddhist shrines.
Key points
Opponents argue the expanded sacred boundary could alter the site's character and inadver…: Opponents argue the expanded sacred boundary could alter the site's character and inadvertently allow non-Buddhist places of worship.
The government insists the initiative was crafted with religious leaders and the Departme…: The government insists the initiative was crafted with religious leaders and the Department of Archaeology solely to protect monuments and upgrade visitor facilities.
Officials confirmed that protective fencing in the plan is intended only to deter stray a…: Officials confirmed that protective fencing in the plan is intended only to deter stray animals and that the Archaeology Ordinance prohibits unauthorized construction.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
Three Buddhist monks began a hunger strike in Sri Lanka's ancient city of Anuradhapura on Wednesday, demanding that the government withdraw a development plan for the historic pilgrimage centre.
The protest centres on a gazette notification issued by the National Physical Planning Department on February 27, outlining an updated Anuradhapura Sacred Area Development Plan. The proposal seeks to expand the designated sacred zone from 28 to 38 square kilometres and improve infrastructure, sanitation, transport and facilities for pilgrims and tourists.
But the plan has triggered resistance among some Buddhist monks and residents, who fear that redevelopment could change the character of an area regarded as one of Sri Lanka's most important centres of Buddhist worship. Concerns have been raised over the possibility of other religious places of worship coming up within the expanded zone, restrictions on religious activities and plans to put up protective fencing around important Buddhist monuments.
Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been a centre of Buddhist worship for more than 2,200 years. It is home to several revered sites, including the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi,…
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