All arrangements have been finalized for the selection meeting to appoint a new Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, scheduled for tomorrow (07).
It is reported that the election will take place at the Senkadagala Buddhist Hall, under the leadership of the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs.
The following candidates have been officially announced:
- Pradeep Nilanga Dela – Current Acting Diyawadana Nilame
- Daminda Bandara Udurawana – Chief Custodian of the Kataragama Maha Devalaya and Pasgama Sri Natha Devalaya
- A.W.S. Bandaranayake – Chief Custodian of the Natha Devalaya and Embekke Sri Kataragama Devalaya
- Prof. Tilak Subasinghe – Department of Business Finance, Faculty of Management, University of Peradeniya
- Gamini Kaluhendiwala – Science graduate, University of Peradeniya
- Roshan Priyadarshana – Businessman and Chief Custodian of Badulla Sonuththara Raja Maha Viharaya and Sathara Maha Devalaya
- Nanda Madugalle – Retired Army Colonel
The newly appointed Nilame will hold office until 2035, in accordance with the Temple and Devalagam Ordinance.
According to the Department of Buddhist Affairs, 267 individuals are eligible to vote in this selection process, including members of the Maha Sangha.
Eligible voters include 157 clergy and lay custodians from royal temples within the former Kandyan Kingdom, 71 Divisional Secretaries from the region, and 29 Chief Custodians of devalayas gazetted under the Temple and Devalagam Ordinance.
Although 31 devalayas are entitled to vote, candidates Daminda Bandara Udurawana and A.W.S. Bandaranayake each hold custodianship of two devalayas, and may vote representing only one, limiting the total number of custodian votes to 29.
Entry to the meeting hall is restricted to official candidates and eligible voters. Any candidate whose nomination is not formally validated will not be permitted to remain inside the hall.
Since the Kandyan Kingdom came under British rule, 19 individuals have served as Diyawadana Nilame. (Newswire)
