Against the backdrop of the alleged involvement of a Basnayake in the assassination of two Buddhist monks, the All Ceylon Basnayake Nilames Association said there were only 32 legally appointed Basnayake Nilames in the country.

Association’s Chairman and Basnayake Nilame of the ancient Pasgama Sri Natha Devalaya Gemunu Tilaka Bandara Walisundara, at an urgent meeting of the association held in the auditorium of the International Buddhist Centre in Pallekele, Kandy, said that even rogues and criminals had been appointed as Basnayake Nilames in some cases. “But, there are also many rogues, criminals and murderers who present themselves in the customary attire of Nilame bringing discredit to the prestige of the Nilame designation,” he said.

Mr. Walisundare said, “The suspect in the assassination of the two monks of Kotte Raja Maha Viharaya is not a person appointed by the Government or the Commissioner General The suspect in the assassination of the two monks of Kotte Raja Maha Viharaya is not a person appointed by the Government or the Commissioner General of the Buddhist affairs of Buddhist affairs.” “He is a swindler disguised in Nilame attire” said the chairman of the association. The Diyawadana Nilame post of Sri Dalada Maligawa is the highest Nilame status accepted by the Country. Besides, there are only 32 Basnayake Nilames of the ancient Devalayas in Sri Lanka. “Even under British rule, Basnayake Nilames were appointed as provided in the relevant Act. People should be cautious about these cheaters” the chairman stressed. This meeting was held under the patronage of the Diyawadana Nilame of Sri Dalada Maligawa Pradeep Nilanga Dela.

Among the participant Nilames were the Secretary of the ACBNA Priyantha Bandara Jayasundara, treasurer Lal Hemantha Bandara Herath Mohan Panabokke. Sunil Santha Weerasekara (Sabaragamu Maha Saman Devalaya), Bandula Ekanayaka ( Lanka Thilaka Sri Vishnu Devalaya), Kushan Yasodha Wegodapola( Sri Katharagama Devalaya) Gayan Hashila Heenkenda( Gadaladeniya Sri Vishnu Devalaya) Anura Ranjith Gurusingha Lewke ( Dodamwela Sri Natha Devala) A.w.sarath Bandaranayaka (Ambokka Sri Natha Devalaya) Anura Sudantha Eriyagama( Wegiriya Natha Devalaya) and several other Basnayaka Nilames.

Source: Daily Mirror - Sri Lanka