Pradeep Nilanga Dela has been re-elected for a third consecutive term as the 19th Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa, securing 195 votes in the official election held today (07).
He will continue to serve as the chief lay custodian of the Sacred Tooth Relic until 2035, completing a 10-year term in one of Sri Lanka’s most revered religious offices.
The election, held at 2:00 p.m. at the United Buddhist Centre Auditorium in Kandy, was conducted under the Vihara Devalagam Ordinance No. 19 of 1931, which authorizes the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs to oversee the process.
Seven candidates contested in this year’s election, with 362 eligible voters participating. The electorate comprised the chief incumbents of 157 royal temples across 16 districts of the former Kandyan Kingdom, 170 Divisional Secretaries, 31 Basnayake Nilames, four lay custodians of temples and shrines, and the Most Venerable Mahanayake Theras of the Malwathu and Asgiriya Chapters.
Having already served 20 years in this esteemed position, Pradeep Nilanga Dela’s reappointment underscores the continued trust placed in his leadership and stewardship of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
