Three Buddhist monks begin death fast in Anuradhapura over development plan

Three Buddhist monks began an indefinite hunger strike at the Ruwanweliseya temple site in Anuradhapura yesterday morning, escalating their ongoing satyagraha campaign. Led by Ven. Balangoda Kassapa, the monks have declared their intention to fast unto death in protest against the proposed draft Anuradhapura Sacred Area Development Plan.

The monks have maintained a satyagraha protest near the revered Ruwanweliseya stupa for an extended period, drawing public attention to their concerns regarding the development initiative. The death fast represents a significant intensification of their campaign, reflecting the depth of their opposition to the proposed plan.

According to the protesters, a commitment was previously made by relevant authorities regarding the protection of the sacred area, which they claim has not been honoured. The monks are demanding both the withdrawal of the draft development plan and the fulfilment of the earlier pledge.

The protest highlights ongoing tensions between development initiatives and religious preservation efforts in Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist sites. The monks' extreme form of protest is likely to intensify public and political scrutiny of the proposed development scheme.