32-Member Advisory Committee Appointed for Anuradhapura Sacred City Project
31-Oct-2026.
A 32-member Presidential Advisory Committee has been appointed to oversee decisions relating to development projects in the Anuradhapura Sacred City while ensuring the protection of its archaeological, historical, religious and cultural heritage.
The Presidential Media Division stated that the committee had been established to facilitate integrated heritage conservation, management, planning and development within the sacred zone.
The committee will be co-chaired by the Acting Chief Prelate of the Atamasthana, Venerable Eethalawetunuwewe Gnanathilaka Thera, and Presidential Chief of Staff Prabath Chandrakeerthi.
Venerable Eethalawetunuwewe Gnanathilaka Thera also serves as the Chancellor of Rajarata University, Chief Incumbent of the Ruwanwelisaya Temple, General Secretary of the Mahavihara Sangha Sabha and Chief Sanghanayake of the North Central Province.
The committee comprises senior Buddhist clergy, government officials, academics, archaeologists, heritage conservation specialists and representatives of several government institutions.
Among its other members are Professor Kallanchiyé Rathanassiri Thera, Chief Incumbent of the Abhayagiri Temple; Venerable Kahalle Gnaninda Thera, Chief Incumbent of the Thuparamaya Temple; and Kahatagollave Medhankara Thera, former Deputy Secretary of the Mahabodhi Society of India.
Representatives of the Department of Archaeology, Central Cultural Fund, Urban Development Authority, National Physical Planning Department and other relevant institutions have also been appointed to the committee.
Experts in archaeology, architecture, urban planning and heritage conservation have been included, along with officials representing the Anuradhapura Municipal Council, district administration, Police, Irrigation Department, Road Development Authority, electricity and water supply sectors, and tourism industry.
The committee has been entrusted with establishing a consensus-based decision-making mechanism to ensure that development activities are carried out while preserving the archaeological, historical, religious and cultural significance of the Anuradhapura Sacred City.
