Complaint Filed with CID Against Udaya Gammanpila Over Anuradhapura Sacred City Plan Remarks

A complaint has been lodged with the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) against former parliamentarian Udaya Gammanpila over remarks he allegedly made about the Anuradhapura Sacred City development plan.

Upali Ratnayake, a former national cycling coach and national cycling referee, said the complaint was submitted with video footage of Gammanpila’s remarks at a media briefing on October 26.

Ratnayake alleged that the comments could fuel religious and ethnic tensions in the country. He said the remarks appeared to draw comparisons between sacred sites associated with different religious communities, including Mecca for Muslims, the Vatican for Christians and the Ruwanwelisaya for Buddhists.

He further alleged that such statements could foster resentment and potentially lead to religious or ethnic violence. Ratnayake called on the authorities to investigate the matter and take appropriate legal action, including considering Gammanpila’s arrest.

He said citizens had a responsibility to speak out against statements that could aggravate religious or ethnic divisions. Ratnayake also said they were examining other remarks made about the Anuradhapura Sacred City plan and might file further complaints.

Deepal Thilakaratne, a retired accountant and active member of the Rajarata University Voice organisation, was also present.