NewsNew Basnayaka Nilame of Kataragama Devalaya to be elected today
The official election to appoint the 13th Basnayaka Nilame of the Ruhunu Kataragama Devalaya will be held tomorrow (Dec. 09) at 10.00 am at the Monaragala District Secretariat under the supervision of the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs.Current Basnayake Nilame of Devinuwara Vishnu Devalaya who is also the acting Basnayaka Nilame of the Ruhunu Kataragama Devalaya – Thilina Madushanka, is also among the candidates. 7 eligible voters will cast their votes, including representatives from key temples in Kataragama and 11 Divisional Secretaries from the Monaragala District.
According to historic records, the office was established by the ancient King Dutugemunu, and the tradition has been passed down through generations.In the past, the appointment had been passed down from generation to generation, which ended in 1921 after B.J. Ulvita Bandaranaike. During British colonial rule, a law was enacted to manage temple affairs, allowing the appointment of a person through official procedures.
Accordingly, steps have been taken to elect Divisional Secretaries (then known as ‘Gammuladani’ as government representatives.
