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Six candidates to contest Diyawadana Nilame selection of Sri Dalada Maligawa
Colombo, Sept. 14 (Daily Mirror) - The number of candidates contesting the upcoming election for the position of Diyawadana Nilame of the historic Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy has risen to six.
The contenders include the incumbent Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela, along with Daminda Bandara, A. W. S. Bandaranaike, Gamini Kaluhendiwala, Roshan Passaramudalige, and Professor Thilak Subhasinghe.
Civil organizations have raised concerns over the competitiveness of the election, calling for government supervision to ensure transparency.
Speaking at a special media briefing, Civil Intelligence Front Chairman Sanjaya Mahawatte said that, just as the country has witnessed a change in political leadership, the administration of the Sri Dalada Maligawa also needs reform. He urged the government to amend the Vihara Devalagam Act to introduce a fixed term limit for the Diyawadana Nilame.
He further alleged that the current Diyawadana Nilame, who has held the post for nearly 20 years since the time of former President Chandrika Kumaratunga, may benefit from financial influence in the upcoming election.
Mahawatte appealed to the Asgiri Mahanayaka Thera to ensure that a person free from fraud and corruption is appointed to the prestigious position. He also noted that while bodies such as FAPRAL monitor national elections, there is no oversight mechanism for the Diyawadana Nilame election, stressing the need for proper monitoring.
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