Anuradhapura sacred city development scheme:

No temple will be affected

Not a single place of worship coming under the temple category will be dismantled under the proposed Anuradhapura Sacred City Development Scheme, said the Urban Development and Sacred Area Development Ministry dispelling fears expressed by some quarters that some temples are earmarked for dismantling under the proposed scheme.

The Ministry in a press release yesterday said the Anuradhapura Sacred City Development Committee which handled the sacred city development project had not decided to remove any temple in Anuradhapura to facilitate the project.

The Committee presided by Anuradhapura District Secretary comprising representatives of 12 state institutions functioned under the patronage of Atamasthanadhapiti Ven. Pallegama Siriniwasa Chief Sanghanayake Thera.

The committee had taken steps to only dismantle unauthorised constructions in the areas which smeared the beauty and serenity of the sacred area.

As such only unauthorised constructions in areas with archaeological value in the city would be dismantled and their occupants provided with alternative plots of land with water, electricity and other facilities to rebuild their homes and other buildings.

Under this scheme, special financial grants would also be extended to unauthorised dwellers who leave the sacred area on their own accord .