November 08, Colombo (LNW): A protest campaign led by Buddhist monks and laypeople remains under way near the Ruwanweli Maha Seya in Anuradhapura, despite a court directive requiring demonstrators to leave the designated sacred area surrounding the historic religious sites.
The sit-in, organised in opposition to the proposed Anuradhapura Sacred City Development Plan, began on the 7th at the Dansal premises close to the Ruwanweli Maha Seya. Among those taking part is Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thero, who has joined other monks and members of the public in demanding that the Government reconsider the development initiative.
Tensions emerged on the afternoon of the protest’s opening day when demonstrators attempted to put up a temporary structure at the location. The move led to a confrontation between the protesters and police officers deployed in the area.
The matter was subsequently brought before the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court after the Officer-in-Charge of the Anuradhapura Police submitted a report outlining the situation.
In its ruling, the court instructed those participating in the demonstration to vacate the sacred precincts surrounding the Ruwanweli Maha Seya and the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi. It also emphasised that archaeological sites and monuments within the protected area must not be damaged, while ordering the removal of temporary constructions erected by the group.
Despite the directive, the demonstrators have refused to leave, with the monks and other participants remaining at the site overnight and continuing their campaign.
Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thero has maintained that the protest will go on until the Government revokes the relevant gazette notification concerning the Anuradhapura Sacred City Development Plan.