COLOMBO, Nov 11: Three Buddhist monks began a hunger strike on Wednesday in Sri Lanka's ancient city of Anuradhapura, demanding the withdrawal of a government development plan for the area's sacred zone.
The monks are protesting against a gazette notification issued by the National Physical Planning Department on February 27, concerning the updated Anuradhapura Sacred Area Development Plan.
Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist pilgrimage centres and a major tourist destination, attracting visitors from within the country and abroad.
Ven Balangoda Kassapa, one of the fasting monks, told reporters that the three had not consumed solid food since lunch on Tuesday. He also appealed to supporters not to bring them liquids.
Kassapa said the protest would continue until the government withdrew the gazette and secured the release of Buddhist monk Galagodaatte Gnanasara, who is back in prison to serve the remainder of a six-year sentence for contempt of court in a case concerning the disappearance of a journalist.
The updated Anuradhapura Sacred Area Development Plan seeks to expand the designated sacred zone from 28 to 38 sq km and improve infrastructure, sanitation, transport and facilities for pilgrims and tourists while preserving the city's archaeological and religious heritage.
The Sri Lankan government is working on the project through the Urban Development Authority and National Physical Planning Department, with initial work being funded domestically.
India announced in April 2025 that it would extend grant assistance for the development of the Anuradhapura Sacred City Complex. The proposed assistance was intended to support improvements to infrastructure and facilities for pilgrims and tourists. (PTI)
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