President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to begin implementing the Anuradhapura Sacred City Development Plan within this year, with the project expected to receive an investment of up to Rs. 6.5 billion with the support of the Government of India.
The President gave the instructions during a discussion held at the Anuradhapura District Secretariat on August 29, according to the President’s Media Division.
The development plan will be reviewed and updated with new proposals. The Director General of the National Physical Planning Department has been instructed to present the revised plan to the Anuradhapura Sacred City Development Committee on September 8 and finalize the detailed plan by September 15.
A major focus of the project will be reducing traffic congestion and developing the Sacred City as an environmentally sensitive zone.
The President instructed officials to restrict environmentally harmful diesel-powered vehicles within the Sacred City and introduce an organized circular transport service using electric buses. The service is expected to be operated by the Municipal Council on a regular daily basis.
The proposed transport system is intended to make it easier for pilgrims to visit the Atamasthana, the eight sacred sites in Anuradhapura.
Plans were also discussed to encourage pilgrims to walk, including the construction of dedicated pedestrian and cycling lanes and the establishment of rest areas in cooler environments for those arriving by train and bus.
President Dissanayake said archaeological sites within the Sacred City should not be treated merely as ruins, but as “living historical sites” that continue to be venerated by the public. He stressed that this should be considered when developing facilities for pilgrims.
The Sacred City development project is being upgraded with assistance from India, with the proposed investment increased to up to Rs. 6.5 billion on the President’s instructions.
The President also called for a clear distinction between components to be implemented by UNESCO and those to be carried out with Indian assistance, saying this would provide greater clarity about the overall project, including for the Maha Sangha.
Under the proposed plan, the existing Sacred City boundary of 28 square kilometres is expected to be expanded to 38 square kilometres.
The President further instructed officials to prioritize project components and prepare a systematic work programme to prevent delays caused by archaeological excavations.
He said relevant institutions should be consulted and preliminary approval obtained separately for each project before construction begins.
The meeting also discussed the proposed resettlement of 331 families currently living in the Inner City area to Lolugaswewa and the establishment of a fair compensation mechanism.
President Dissanayake instructed the Divisional Secretary and Chief of Presidential Staff Prabath Chandrakeerthi to engage directly with the residents and discuss alternatives, including the provision of land, houses or financial compensation, before a final decision is made.
Members of the Maha Sangha representing the Atamasthana, Trade, Commerce, Food Security and Cooperative Development Minister Wasantha Samarasinghe, Housing, Construction and Water Supply Minister Susil Ranasinghe, Anuradhapura District Secretary Ranjith Wimalasuriya and senior officials from several state institutions attended the discussion.
