Chief Incumbent of the Mihintale Temple Ven. Walawahangunawawe Dhammarathana Thera has expressed objection to the actions of Diyawadana Nilame (the lay guardian) of the Temple of the Tooth Relic Pradeep Nilanga Dela with regard to an alleged statement made by the latter suggesting that media coverage is unnecessary for this year’s annual Esala Perahera (Dalada Perahera).

Speaking to the media, Dhammarathana Thera claimed that Dela had been appointed as the Diyawadana Nilame with 400 votes at the relevant election for only a short period of time and that he is merely the lay guardian of the Temple of the Tooth Relic. “The Tooth Relic is not the private property of the Diyawadana Nilame. The Chief Prelates (Mahanayakas) of the Malwathu and Asgiri Chapters of the Siam Sect are the real guardians. How can the Diyawadana Nilame determine that media coverage is not necessary? Isn’t it the media that enables the entire world to see this event? The Government is trying to suppress the media now. Is the Diyawadana Nilame supporting it? If he continues to do so, we will rally the people against him.”

He also claimed that Dela is working as per the wishes of the Government in order to recontest in the election to appoint the next Diyawadana Nilame. “Did the Government tell you (Dela) that they would let you contest again? I would like to ask the relevant Buddhist monks and the Divisional Secretaries to get ready. These persons will try to become the Diyawadana Nilame for another 10 years by spending millions of money. In fact, if the President should leave office in five years, the relevant provisions should be amended that would also require the Diyawadana Nilame to leave the said office in five years. The Mahanayakas, the Anunayakas, and the Sangha Committees should make the relevant decisions.”

Speaking further, Dhammarathana Thera said that while various politicians and powerful individuals are allowed to enter the chamber where the casket carrying the Tooth relic is placed, ordinary people are not even permitted to get close to the casket. 

“The Diyawadana Nilame accompanies politicians to the chamber, but ordinary people are not even allowed to go close to it. He can do whatever he likes by making deals with the Government, but the perahera should be telecast for the whole world to see. The people are waiting to see it. It is true that Buddhism is not about the perahera, but it is our cultural heritage that has been preserved for a long time,” he said.

Attempts to contact Dela proved futile.