Saman Devalaya on strike over political appointment

• Appointment does not align with tradition

By Lasantha Niroshana Perera - Ratnapura

The administrative body and office holders of the Sabaragamuwa Maha Saman Devalaya stepped down from the daily services (Thewawa) and other duties yesterday (5th) in protest against the appointment of an acting Basnayake Nilame, which they claim violates the temple’s traditions. 

• The administrative body who withdrew from yesterday’s services, stated that the appointment was politically motivated and did not align with the traditional practices

Following the conclusion of the former Basnayake Nilame’s term, S. V. Chandrasinghe was appointed as the acting Basnayake Nilame by the Commissioner General Of Buddhist Affairs last week, to serve until a permanent Basnayake Nilame is appointed.

The administrative body who withdrew from yesterday’s services, stated that this appointment was politically motivated and did not align with the traditional practices of the Sabaragamuwa Maha Saman Devalaya.Yesterday morning, the Kapu Mahaththaya and other members left their duties and staged a silent protest at the entrance of the Saman Devalaya, located along the Ratnapura-Panadura road.

Officials at the devalaya explained that their opposition stems from the failure to appoint a qualified individual as acting Basnayake Nilame, as required by tradition.The appointment of a Basnayake Nilame to the Saman Devalaya is governed by the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance, and the appointed Basnayake Nilame is required to fulfill two primary duties: those mandated by the ordinance and those based on the customs and rituals performed in honour of the temple’s deities, according to officials.

The Chief Kapuwa of the Sabaragamuwa Maha Saman Devalaya, Gayan Vijayanarayana, expressed that their opposition is against the breach of long-standing traditions upheld by the temple.