President Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited the Anuradhapura Sacred City this afternoon (23) to inspect the progress of the proposed Sacred Area Development Project, which aims to improve infrastructure and visitor facilities while preserving the historic and religious significance of the ancient city.
The project includes the renovation of access roads, improvements to facilities for devotees and local and foreign tourists, and enhanced waste management, with particular emphasis on safeguarding the antiquity and religious character of the sacred area, the President’s Media Division said in a statement.
The National Physical Planning Department has prepared a structural plan for the area, gazetted as the Anuradhapura Sacred Area Planning Scheme. An updated development plan, together with guidelines governing development activities, was published in the Gazette on February 27, 2026, the PMD noted.
The project is estimated to cost Rs. 7.7 billion, with the Government of India agreeing to provide funding.
During his visit, the President inspected road development work near three historic ponds within the sacred city and archaeological excavations at the Western Monastery complex. He also reviewed the proposed site for a car park in the Atamasthana area near the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, according to the PMD.
President Dissanayake held discussions with officials on the progress of the planned development activities and examined the relevant sites and project plans.
He stressed that all development work must be carried out in a manner that protects the historical heritage, antiquity and religious significance of the Anuradhapura Sacred Area.
The President also instructed officials to expedite the work and address any issues arising during implementation through discussions involving all relevant stakeholders.
During the visit, President Anura Dissanayake paid homage to the historic Ruwanwelisaya Stupa and received blessings. 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 his delegation.
The President also interacted with members of the public visiting the sacred site, speaking with them and inquiring about their well-being, the PMD added.
Among those accompanying the President were Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi; North Central Province Governor Wasantha Jinadasa; Anuradhapura District MP Sena Nanayakkara; and senior officials representing the relevant government institutions.
Other officials present included Chief of Staff to the President Prabath Chandrakeerthi, Defence Ministry Secretary (Retd.) Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, Anuradhapura Mayor N. Karunaratne, District Secretary K. G. R. Wimalasuriya, and senior representatives of the National Physical Planning Department, Department of Archaeology, Urban Development Authority and Central Cultural Fund.
