DNA urges President to reconsider reappointment of Diyawadana Nilame amid allegations

The Democratic National Alliance (DNA) has urged President Anura Kumara Dissanayake to reconsider the potential reappointment of Nilanga Dela as the Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy, citing serious allegations against him.

Speaking at a special media briefing in Colombo, DNA National Organizer Niruksha Kumara said it was not enough to remove only politicians and public officials responsible for the country’s downfall, but also other influential figures who had allegedly misused their positions.

He noted that while an Executive President of Sri Lanka is limited to 10 years in office across two terms, Mr. Dela has served as Diyawadana Nilame for nearly 20 years under six presidents and is now preparing to contest the upcoming election to retain the post.

Mr. Kumara alleged that many Nilames, with the backing of past political leaders, had misappropriated funds donated by local and foreign Buddhists, violating the Vihara Devalagam Act by misusing income from temple lands (Nindagams). He further claimed that several Nilames whose terms had ended were seeking to hold onto their positions unlawfully.

He emphasized that he possessed information concerning allegations against the current Diyawadana Nilame and called for law enforcement authorities, including the Police, the Bribery Commission, and the Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs, to investigate and take legal action.

“The government is currently working to enforce the law against all those who bankrupted the country and misused public property. This is the time to empower institutions like the Police, CID, and Bribery Commission to act without political interference,” he said.

Mr. Kumara also highlighted that temples and shrines are regulated under the Vihara Devalagam Ordinance, with some administered by Nayaka Theros, and others by Basnayake Nilames and Diyawadana Nilames. Among them, the roles of the Diyawadana Nilame of the Dalada Maligawa, the Basnayake Nilame of the Ruhunu Kataragama Devalaya, and the Basnayake Nilame of the Devundara Maha Devalaya draw particular public attention.

He said that while public discourse often focuses on politicians and government officials as the main culprits behind Sri Lanka’s collapse, there are “other groups, like the bark of a tree attached to them,” who also share responsibility.