November 09, Colombo (LNW): A protest led by Buddhist monks and several lay participants remains underway in Anuradhapura, with demonstrators entering a third day of their Satyagraha today (09), despite a court directive ordering them to leave the vicinity of two of the country’s most revered Buddhist landmarks.
The demonstration began on the morning of 07 November at the dansal area close to the Ruwanweli Maha Seya. Led by Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thero, the group is opposing the proposed Anuradhapura Sacred City Development Plan, which has become the focus of growing concern among the protesters.
The situation reportedly became tense after participants attempted to put up a temporary shelter at the protest site, prompting police intervention and subsequent legal proceedings.
The Anuradhapura Headquarters Police Inspector later presented a report to the Anuradhapura Magistrate’s Court, following which an order was issued requiring those involved in the protest to vacate the designated sacred premises, including the areas surrounding the Ruwanweli Maha Seya and the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi.
Despite the judicial directive, the demonstrators have continued their sit-in, maintaining their opposition to the development proposals.
In a further development, officers attached to the Anuradhapura Division Crimes Investigation Bureau visited the location last night (08) to obtain a statement from Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thero. The situation at the site remains a matter of attention as the protest continues.