Malwathu-Asgiri Chapters Urge Candidates to Protect Dignity of Dalada Maligawa Amidst Defamatory Campaigns

Kandy – The Mahanayake Theros of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters have issued a joint statement condemning the defamatory discussions and propaganda surrounding the election of the Diyawadana Nilame, warning of the harm it causes to the honour of the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic), the two main Buddhist chapters, and the entire Buddhist community.

The Diyawadana Nilame holds the lay custodianship of the Sacred Tooth Relic, considered the pinnacle of reverence for Buddhists worldwide. The position is highly respected, with the holder being regarded as the country's foremost Buddhist layman and esteemed in Buddhist nations internationally. The Diyawadana Nilame is elected for a ten-year term under the Vihara Devalagam Act No. 19 of 1931.

With the term of the current Diyawadana Nilame having concluded, the process to elect a new office-holder is now underway, with several candidates, including the incumbent, having put their names forward.

In their statement, the Mahanayake Theros expressed their deep regret that various external parties, with the narrow objective of promoting their preferred candidates, are engaging in defamatory propaganda. They noted that this is belittling the Buddhist community in the eyes of the world and creating a false image of Buddhist sacred sites.

The joint statement further declared, "We condemn the baseless and hateful statements made with narrow motives by various organizations and individuals based on personal agendas during this period, which bring disgrace upon the Buddhist community. We emphasize that all candidates must resolve to reject such narrow objectives and act to protect the dignity and honor of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Diyawadana Nilame position, the Basnayake Nilame positions, and other associated ranks of the sacred sites."