Pradeep Nilanga Dela elected as Diyawadana Nilame of Dalada Maligawa for third term
November 7, 2025 05:00 pm
Pradeep Nilanga Dela has been elected as the Diyawadana Nilame of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy (Sri Dalada Maligawa) for a third term.
The election to appoint the Diyawadana Nilame of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy was held this afternoon (07), at the Kandy Buddhist Balamandala Hall.
At the election, Pradeep Nilanga Dela was elected as the Diyawadana Nilame for the third consecutive term, securing 195 votes, to serve for another 10-year period.
According to the Department of Buddhist Affairs, 263 people, including members of the Maha Sangha, were eligible to vote in this election.
In accordance with the Vihara and Devalaya Ordinance, the term of office of a Diyawadana Nilame is 10 years.
Since the Kandyan Kingdom came under British rule, 19 individuals have served as the Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa.
