President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has instructed officials to revise the Anuradhapura Sacred City Development Plan, incorporate new proposals and begin work on the project during 2026.
The instructions were issued during a discussion on the development plan at the Anuradhapura District Secretariat on 29 August.
The Government says the project is being upgraded with assistance from the Government of India to an investment of up to Rs.6.5 billion.
Revised plan due in September
The President instructed the Director General of the National Physical Planning Department to present the relevant plan to the Sacred City Development Committee on 8 September.
The complete detailed plan is expected to be finalised by 15 September.
Officials were instructed to prioritise project components and establish a systematic programme to prevent unnecessary delays.
Electric buses and restrictions on polluting diesel vehicles proposed
A major part of the plan focuses on reducing traffic congestion and developing the Sacred City as an environmentally sensitive area.
The President instructed authorities to restrict environmentally harmful diesel vehicles within the Sacred City and introduce an organised circular transport service using electric buses.
The proposed buses are expected to operate as a regular daily service under the Municipal Council.
The plan also discusses:
- separate pedestrian lanes;
- cycling lanes;
- rest areas for pilgrims arriving by train and bus; and
- improved transport arrangements for people visiting the Atamasthana.
These measures form part of the development plan and should not be interpreted as already operational.
Sacred City area to expand
Under the project, the Sacred City boundary is expected to expand from approximately 28 square kilometres to 38 square kilometres.
The President also emphasised that archaeological locations should be treated as living historical sites that continue to be used for worship rather than merely as abandoned ruins.
331 families discussed
The meeting also considered arrangements involving 331 families living in the Inner City area.
Officials were instructed to engage directly with residents and discuss alternatives including the provision of land, houses or fair financial compensation before decisions are finalised.
The precise resettlement and compensation arrangements therefore remain under discussion.
Indian and UNESCO components
The President also called for the components supported by the Government of India to be clearly distinguished from those involving UNESCO.
The Government says this is intended to provide stakeholders, including the Maha Sangha, with a clearer understanding of the overall development programme.
The President has directed that implementation begin during 2026, while several individual components remain at planning or preparatory stages.