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Sunday, 3 July 2005 |
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New Diyawadana Nilame assures uplift of Buddhism by L.B. Wijayasiri in Kandy Newly elected Diyawadana Nilame the lay custodian of Dalada Maligawa Kandy, Nilanga Dela Bandara gave an assurance to protect the Sacred Tooth Relic and also the dignity of the high office that a lay Buddhist could secure. He said so at a media briefing after he was elected as the 19th Diyawadana Nilame by a majority 199 votes. The election was held under tight security and behind closed doors. Police Riot Squards were seen in attendance. Even media representatives were permitted to stay for 3 hours 100 meters away from the Buddhist centre where the election was held. Out of 304 eligible voters only 292 were present. Nilanga Dela Bandara received 199 votes. Basnayake Nilame of Maha Vishnu Devale Mohan Panabokke 43 votes, former Diyawadana Nilame Neranjan Wijeyaratne 44 votes and Sudantha Senanayake four votes while two votes were rejected. New Diyawadana Nilame Nilanga Dela Bandara said that he would administrate the Maligawa funds in a transparent way and use only for the improvement of the Maligawa and to work for the welfare of Buddhist community particularly the poor Buddhists. Steps would be taken to work for the uplift of poor Buddhist temples in rural areas on the advice of most Ven. Maha Nayaka Theras and Maha Sangha. |
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