Three Buddhist Monks Arrested in Sri Lanka Over UNESCO Heritage Site Development Row

Three Buddhist monks, including Balangoda Kassapa Thera, were arrested in Sri Lanka's ancient city of Anuradhapura on November 12 after a hunger strike against the government's proposed Sacred City Development Plan escalated into violence, triggering a wider confrontation over religious heritage, archaeological conservation and the future of one of the country's most important Buddhist pilgrimage centres. The arrests came as the government faced mounting opposition from sections of the Buddhist clergy and local residents over a proposal to expand the designated sacred area from 28 to 38 square kilometres.

The monks began their fast-unto-death protest on November 11, demanding the withdrawal of the updated development plan and a February 27, 2026, gazette notification. The confrontation involved a group led by Rajanganaye Saddharathana, a recently defrocked monk. Police spokesman FT Wootler confirmed the arrests of the three protesting monks, Saddharathana and four civilians, including a woman. Both groups levelled allegations of assault. On November 13, a court remanded seven suspects, including four monks and three civilians, until November 26.

The controversy centres on expanding the sacred zone from 28 to 38 square kilometres under an updated framework based on the original 1984 development plan. Authorities say the initiative will protect archaeological sites, improve sanitation, reduce congestion and provide better facilities for pilgrims and tourists. However, protesters have raised concerns over religious structures, including a Kali Kovil near Thuparamaya, and proposed fencing around Ruwanweli Maha Seya. Officials have rejected allegations of permitting new religious constructions, maintaining that the measures protect existing heritage.

The proposal also envisages relocating 331 families from the Inner City area to Lolugaswewa, with alternative housing, land or compensation being considered. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has established a 32-member advisory council to oversee conservation and development.

India announced grant assistance for the project during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's April 2025 visit. Proposed works include road renovation, monument restoration, sanitation, waste management and improved transport. Initial work is being funded domestically, with Indian assistance yet to be disbursed, according to earlier reports.

Anuradhapura, a major Theravada Buddhist centre and former Sri Lankan capital for nearly 1,300 years, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982. The protesters have additionally demanded a pardon for monk Galagodaatte Gnanasara, serving a sentence for contempt of court, further complicating efforts to resolve the dispute.