President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has directed authorities to commence a Rs. 6.5 billion development project in Anuradhapura this year, expanding the Sacred City boundaries and implementing environmental and transportation improvements with Indian government support.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to finalize plans for the Anuradhapura Sacred City Development Project and begin implementation before the year ends. The directive emerged during discussions at the Anuradhapura District Secretariat, with the project scope expanded to Rs. 6.5 billion through collaboration with India's government.
The initiative will significantly reshape the historic city's geography and infrastructure. The Sacred City boundaries will expand from 28 square kilometres to 38 square kilometres, while development will prioritize environmental sustainability and traffic management. Diesel vehicles will be prohibited within the expanded Sacred City limits, replaced by a network of electric buses operating structured circular routes managed by the Municipal Council. The plan also includes construction of pedestrian pathways and bicycle lanes, alongside visitor facilities including rest areas at transportation hubs.
Development officials have been directed to treat archaeological sites as "living historical sites" rather than mere ruins, acknowledging their continued spiritual significance to worshippers and ensuring adequate facilities for devotees. The project also addresses community displacement concerns, with plans to provide land, housing, or compensation packages to 331 families currently residing in the Inner City area. These residents are expected to be resettled in the Lolugaswewa region as part of the broader development scheme.
According to the President's Media Division, the National Physical Planning Department has been tasked with presenting preliminary plans to the Sacred City Development Committee by the eighth of next month, with a comprehensive detailed plan due by the fifteenth.
