Who Will Be the Next Diyawadana Nilame? Historic Election Today

COLOMBO (News 1st); A pivotal gathering will take place this afternoon to elect the next Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) in Kandy, one of the most revered cultural and religious institutions in Sri Lanka.

The selection meeting, presided over by the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs, will be held at the Senkadagala Buddhist Centre in Kandy.

Among the seven candidates vying for the prestigious post is Pradeep Nilanga Dela, the current acting Diyawadana Nilame, along with Basnayake Nilame Daminda Bandara Udurawana of the Kataragama Maha Devalaya and the Pasgama Sri Natha Devalaya.

A total of approximately 265 eligible voters, including members of the Maha Sangha, will cast their votes to determine the next custodian of the Temple of the Tooth.

Since the colonial era, 19 individuals have held the position of Diyawadana Nilame. The individual elected today will serve until 2035, overseeing the temple’s administration, cultural preservation, and ceremonial duties.