Plans to develop Anuradhapura city with Indian funds of Rs. 7.7 Billion
– Plans are underway to develop the Anuradhapura Sacred City under a comprehensive development plan with an initial estimated cost of Rs. 7.7 billion, funded by the Government of India.A discussion on the proposed project was held yesterday at the Presidential Secretariat under the leadership of Chief of Presidential Staff Prabath Chandrakeerthi and Acting Deputy High Commissioner/First Secretary of the Indian High Commission Roshini Thomson.The project follows an undertaking by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent official visit to Sri Lanka to provide assistance for the development of the Sacred City after visiting the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura.
Accordingly, the Urban Development Authority (UDA) and the Department of National Physical Planning have jointly proposed a program to develop the Anuradhapura Sacred City while preserving its historic and religious significance.
The draft proposal prepared by the two institutions has already been submitted to the Indian High Commission, and yesterday’s discussion focused on the proposed development program.President Anura Kumara Dissanayake recently held discussions with the Maha Sangha and other relevant stakeholders on the Sacred City Development Plan and instructed officials to expedite its implementation. The project is expected to commence before the end of this year, with the Indian Government expected to provide the required financial assistance.The development program will include the renovation of access roads, improved waste management and sanitation facilities, and the restoration of dilapidated sites, while ensuring that the antiquity and religious character of the Sacred City are preserved.