The Malwatta and Asgiri Maha Thero have issued a statement informing about the defamatory conversations taking place regarding the position of Diyawadana Nilame and the damage it is causing to the honor of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, the two Maha Viharas and the entire Buddhist community.
The Diyawadana Nilame, who is the lay guardian of the Sri Dalada Thero, which is the crown jewel of the Buddhist community throughout the world, is revered as the first Buddhist in this country, and the statement states that there is great admiration and respect for the Diyawadana Nilame in Buddhist countries internationally.
The announcement points out that the Diyawadana Nilame is appointed for a period of 10 years through an election in accordance with the Vihara Devalagam Act No. 19 of 1931, and that since the term of office of the current Diyawadana Nilame has expired, the appointment of a new Diyawadana Nilame is underway.
The announcement issued by the Maha Thero further states that it is a matter of concern that the Buddhist community is currently being belittled in the eyes of the world and that a false image has been created regarding Buddhist shrines due to defamatory propaganda carried out by various external parties with the narrow aim of promoting the candidate they support.
The relevant announcement is below,
