Three monks begin hunger strike in Sri Lanka over site redevelopment
Protesters in Anuradhapura are demanding the government withdraw a development plan for the historic Buddhist pilgrimage centre.
Three Buddhist monks started a hunger strike in the ancient city of Anuradhapura on Wednesday, according to the Times of India. They are demanding that the government cancel a development plan for the historic pilgrimage centre.
The protest targets a gazette notification issued by the National Physical Planning Department on February 27. This updated Anuradhapura Sacred Area Development Plan proposes expanding the designated sacred zone from 28 to 38 square kilometres to improve infrastructure, sanitation, and transport for pilgrims and tourists.
Some monks and residents fear the redevelopment could alter the character of the area. Concerns include the potential for new religious places of worship within the expanded zone, restrictions on religious activities, and the installation of protective fencing around monuments.
National Physical Planning Department director general Ruchira Vithana has denied that the gazette permits new religious buildings or limits devotee access. He stated that archaeological evidence shows ruins of a 10th-century Kali Kovil in the area, but found no evidence of a newly built Rama Kovil.
The agitation previously involved a sit-in protest led by Ven Balangoda Kassapa Thera. Protesters clashed with police regarding an elevated structure, and a magistrate's court ordered them to remove temporary tents and vacate areas near Ruwanweli Maha Seya and Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi.
Kassapa told reporters on Wednesday that the three monks have not eaten solid food since Tuesday lunch. He said the hunger strike will continue until the government withdraws the gazette and secures the release of monk Galagodaatte Gnanasara, who is in prison for contempt of court.