President Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited the Anuradhapura sacred area this afternoon (23) to review the progress of the proposed development project.
The Anuradhapura Sacred Area Development Project aims to renovate access roads, improve facilities for devotees and local and foreign tourists, and enhance waste management, while safeguarding the historic character, antiquity and religious significance of the Anuradhapura Sacred City. PMD reported.
The National Physical Planning Department has prepared a structural plan, which was gazetted as the Anuradhapura Sacred Area Planning Scheme. On 27 February 2026, an updated Anuradhapura Sacred Area Development Plan, together with the criteria to be followed in carrying out development activities, was published in the Gazette. The Government of India has agreed to provide funding for the project, which has an estimated total cost of Rs. 7.7 billion.
Upon arriving at the Anuradhapura Sacred City, the President walked through the area to inspect the sites and plans relating to the development activities. He also held discussions with officials and inquired about the progress of the work.
The President inspected road development work in the vicinity of the three historic ponds in the Anuradhapura Sacred City, as well as archaeological excavations at the Western Monastery complex.
He subsequently inspected the site proposed for the construction of a car park in the Atamasthana area, near the Ruwanwelisaya, and reviewed the sites and plans relating to the proposed development projects.
The President stressed the importance of carrying out all development activities in a manner that safeguards the antiquity and religious significance of the historic Anuradhapura Sacred Area.
He also instructed officials to expedite the development work by discussing and resolving any issues that arise during project implementation through consultations involving all relevant stakeholders.
Meanwhile, President Anura Kumara Dissanayake paid homage to the historic Ruwanwelisaya Stupa and received blessings. He also inquired about the development activities being carried out there.
On the occasion, the Maha Sangha, led by Most Venerable Eethalawetunuwewe Gnanathilaka Thera, Acting Chief Prelate of the Atamasthana and Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanwelisaya
Temple, chanted Pirith and invoked blessings on the President and the other members of the delegation.
Members of the public visiting the Anuradhapura sacred site warmly welcomed the President. He engaged in friendly conversation with them and inquired about their well-being.
Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr Hiniduma Sunil Senevi; North Central Province Governor Wasantha Jinadasa; Anuradhapura District MP Sena Nanayakkara; Chief of Staff to the President Prabath Chandrakeerthi; Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd); Anuradhapura Mayor N. Karunaratne; District Secretary K. G. R. Wimalasuriya; Director General of the Department of Physical Planning W. T. H. Ruchira Withana; Director General of the Department of Archaeology E. A. Senarath Wickramasinghe; Director General of the Urban Development Authority Damith Dissanayake; and Director General of the Central Cultural Fund Dr Nilan Cooray were among those present, together with officials representing the relevant institutions.
