Three monks begin hunger strike in Sri Lanka over redevelopment of major Buddhist site

Three Buddhist monks began a hunger strike in Sri Lanka's ancient city of Anuradhapura on Wednesday, demanding that the government withdraw a development plan for the historic pilgrimage centre.The protest centres on a gazette notification issued by the National Physical Planning Department on February 27, outlining an updated Anuradhapura Sacred Area Development Plan.

The proposal seeks to expand the designated sacred zone from 28 to 38 square kilometres and improve infrastructure, sanitation, transport and facilities for pilgrims and tourists.But the plan has triggered resistance among some Buddhist monks and residents, who fear that redevelopment could change the character of an area regarded as one of Sri Lanka's most important centres of Buddhist worship.