Buddhist monks protest in Sri Lanka against religious site redevelopment

A group of Buddhist monks has launched a sit-in protest in Sri Lanka's sacred city of Anuradhapura, demanding the withdrawal of a government gazette outlining a redevelopment plan for the historic Buddhist pilgrimage centre.The protest, led by Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera, began on Friday against the Anuradhapura Sacred Area Development Plan, notified by the National Physical Planning Department (NPPD) on February 27, 2026.The gazette proposes expanding the designated sacred area from approximately 28 to 38 square kilometres, alongside improvements to infrastructure, pilgrim facilities and archaeological conservation.

The project is estimated to require an investment of up to Sri Lankan Rupees 8.8 billion.Tensions escalated on Saturday when protesters clashed with police over the construction of an elevated structure. Following a report submitted by police, the Anuradhapura Magistrate's Court ordered the protesters to vacate the sacred areas surrounding Ruwanweli Maha Seya and Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and remove their temporary tents.