Election of Diyawadana Nilame
 

BY L. B. Wijayasiri in Kandy

THE election of the 19th Diyawadana Nilame, the lay custodian of the Dalada Maligawa, Kandy will be held on July 1 at 2.00 p.m. at the Kandy Buddhist Centre with the Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs presiding.

The office fell vacant with the completion of the second 10 year period of office of the former Diyawadana Nilame Neranjan Wijeyaratne.

Former Diyawadana Nilame Neranjan Wijeyaratne, Basnayake Nilame of the Vishnu Devale in Kandy and Dedimunda Devalaya Aluthnuwara Mohan Panabokke, Basnayake Nilame of Ruhunu Katharagama Devale and the Maha Saman Devalaya Ratnapura Nilanga Dela Bandara, Basnayake Nilame of the Embekke Devalaya Sudantha Senanayake and Retired Bank of Ceylon official Ananda Jayasundara have already announced their candidature for this office.

Most Ven. Mahanayake Theras of Malwatte and Asgiriya Maha Vihara chapters who are co-viharadipathis of Maligawa, Trustees of Rajamaha Viharayas recognised by the Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs, Basnayake Nilames of Devales and Divisional Secretaries of Kandyan Districts are eligible to vote at this election.