A'Pura Sacred City Development Plan to Commence This Year

COLOMBO (News 1st):

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to review the Anuradhapura Sacred City Development Plan, incorporate new proposals, and commence the project within this year.

The instruction was given during a special discussion held at the Anuradhapura District Secretariat.

According to the President’s Media Division, the project has been expanded to a value of Rs. 6.5 billion with support from the Government of India.

Under the project, the boundaries of the Sacred City are expected to be expanded from 28 square kilometres to 38 square kilometres.

The President has also instructed that the Sacred City be developed as an environmentally sensitive zone while reducing traffic congestion.

Accordingly, diesel vehicles will be restricted within the Sacred City, while electric buses will be introduced to operate a structured circular transport service under the Municipal Council.

Pedestrian walkways and bicycle lanes will also be developed, along with rest areas in a cooler environment for visitors arriving by train and bus.

The President emphasized the importance of treating archaeological sites in the Sacred City not merely as ruins, but as “living historical sites” where people continue to worship, and ensuring the necessary facilities for devotees.

The meeting also discussed options to provide land, houses or fair compensation to 331 families living in the Inner City area, as part of plans to resettle them in the Lolugaswewa area.

The President has further instructed the Director General of the National Physical Planning Department to present the relevant plan to the Sacred City Development Committee by the 8th of next month and complete the comprehensive detailed plan by the 15th.