The Mahanayake Theras of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters have issued a statement regarding the post of Diyawadana Nilame, drawing attention to the defamatory discussions surrounding the position and the resulting harm caused to the dignity of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, the two great temples, and the Buddhist community at large.
According to the Vihara Devalagam Ordinance No. 19 of 1931, the Diyawadana Nilame is appointed for a term of ten years through an official election.
The term of the current Diyawadana Nilame has now expired, and steps are being taken to appoint a successor. Several candidates, including the incumbent Diyawadana Nilame, have come forward for the appointment.
The statement emphasized that defamatory campaigns launched by external parties, often to promote their preferred candidate, have brought disrepute upon the Buddhist community in the eyes of the world and created a distorted image of Buddhist sacred institutions. The Mahanayake Theras expressed deep concern over these developments.
