National Organisations Alliance Criticises Government Over Proposed Bills and Anuradhapura Sacred Area Development

The National Organisations Alliance has criticised the government over its handling of Buddhist religious affairs, the proposed legislation concerning public protests and the development plans for the Anuradhapura Sacred City.

Speaking at a media briefing organised by the alliance, Senior Attorney-at-Law Kalyananda Thiranagama questioned whether the government would continue governing the country in the manner outlined by the proposed legislation.

Referring to recent incidents involving Buddhist monks who attempted to hand over a memorandum to the President, Thiranagama criticised the conduct of the police, noting that a court order had subsequently been obtained in connection with the matter.

He said the monks later staged a public protest at Viharamahadevi Park, which was also prevented by police intervention.

Thiranagama also raised concerns about the involvement of Balangoda Kassapa Thera, alleging that his conduct suggested he was acting in the interests of the government.

He maintained that the Constitution guarantees the right to raise concerns when Buddhism faces challenges and criticised sections of the legal community for what he described as their silence over issues affecting the religion.

He called on lawyers and relevant organisations to use legal avenues, including filing complaints with the Human Rights Commission, rather than remaining silent out of fear.

Turning to the proposed legislation, Thiranagama alleged that the government was seeking to introduce the bills to restrict protests organised by various groups against what they consider unlawful government actions.

He noted that former President Ranil Wickremesinghe had previously attempted to introduce similar legislation but was forced to withdraw it. He urged the present government not to proceed with what he described as essentially the same proposed law.

He further expressed concerns that, if enacted, the legislation could be used to arrest individuals participating in protests, including demonstrations near the Indian High Commission, under terrorism-related allegations.

Concerns Over Anuradhapura Sacred City Development
Meanwhile, National Organisations Alliance Secretary Dr. Wasantha Bandara criticised the government's response to public opposition over the development plans for the Anuradhapura Sacred City.

He said the issue had generated considerable public discussion and raised concerns over the handling of religious and historically significant properties. Referring to Dambulla, he alleged that properties belonging to the Buddhist clergy had previously been handed over to private institutions.

Dr. Bandara also questioned why the Anuradhapura development plans had initially been prepared without adequate consultation with the Maha Nayaka Theras. He acknowledged that an advisory committee had subsequently been appointed but maintained that concerns over the original planning process remained unresolved.

He alleged that the government had amended the gazette relating to the site, changing elements of its UNESCO-recognised designation and removing references to its Buddhist significance.

He also questioned the inclusion of what he described as non-Buddhist considerations in an institution responsible for protecting archaeological sites.

Clarifying his group's position on the developments near the Ruwanwelisaya, Dr. Bandara said their objections were not simply about the removal of a fence that had been installed to prevent animals from entering the premises.

Instead, he argued that structures and features associated with historically significant stupas should be preserved and that constructing a new fence in the proposed manner was inconsistent with traditional stupa architecture.

He also criticised the conduct of the official heading the development project, claiming that although the official had publicly invited discussions, he had subsequently stated that he would not change even a single word of the gazette, even if it meant leaving his position.

Dr. Bandara further alleged that the physical development plans had been prepared by officials influenced by foreign interests, claiming that even some ministers were unaware of the details.

Addressing the recent confrontation involving Buddhist monks, he denied that the monks had initiated violence and alleged that police officers had attempted to disrupt the situation. He called for legal action against the officers involved.

He accused the government of violating the fundamental rights of Buddhist monks and strongly condemned what he described as an attack on the Buddhist robe by portraying the monks as opponents of the government.

Dr. Bandara said the monks were primarily demanding that the relevant gazette be revised in accordance with UNESCO's recommendations.

He also alleged that India had an interest in the development project and raised questions about agreements signed between Sri Lanka and India. Claiming that ten agreements had been signed without being made available to the public, he questioned the transparency of the arrangements.

He further questioned the financial assistance provided by India, asking whether the funds were being extended without expectations or conditions.

The National Organisations Alliance reiterated its opposition to the government's handling of the proposed legislation and the Anuradhapura Sacred City development project, calling for greater transparency, consultation and protection of religious and historical heritage.