News
Dalada Maligawa Diyawadana Nilame’s term ends today; new Nilame within three months
The office of the Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Malgawa falls vacant today.
Since no acting appointment is to be made, the Sunday Times learns that the outgoing Diyawadana Nilame will continue in office until an election is held to appoint a successor. Under the Buddhist Temporalities Act, the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs is required to hold the election within three months of the incumbent’s term ending.
The outgoing Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela
Early nominations are not called for the post. Instead, names are proposed and seconded on the day of the election by members of the 288-strong electoral college, which comprises divisional secretaries within the boundaries of the former Kandyan Kingdom, temple trustees, and Basnayake Nilames or their acting counterparts.
The Diyawadana Nilame plays a crucial role in the temple affairs. Since 1853, together with the Mahanayakes of the Malwatta and Asgiriya chapters, the Diyawadana Nilame has been a co-custodian of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the inner shrine.
During the period of the Sinhala monarchy, there had been a number of Diyawadana Nilames—”Atul Kattala” (within the Royal staff), Rajawasala Diyawana Nilame, Pallewasala Nilame and the Diyawdana Nilame of the Malgawa—all members of the royal household.
The Diyawadana Nilame’s main duty then—as the title itself denotes—was to prepare the king’s bath and ensure the water was at the right temperature. After the bath, the Saluwadana Nilame attended to the king’s attire.
When a Diyawadana Nilame was a close kinsman of the king, he was entrusted with the rites and rituals of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
It is not an easy task, as the rituals must be performed daily and under his supervision. He is also responsible for the administrative affairs of the Dalada Maligawa.
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