Pradeep Nilanga Dela was re-elected as the Diyawadana Nilame (lay custodian) of the historic Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic) in Kandy for a third term, following a landslide victory in a recent election. His term of office will be 10 years.
Dela secured an overwhelming majority of votes, returning to the position after having served two previous terms totaling 20 years, with his last tenure concluding in August. He was among eight candidates who vied for the prestigious role, including the acting Diyawadana Nilame.
The election results were as follows:
- Pradeep Nilanga Dela: 195 votes
- A.M. Daminda Bandara Udurawana, Basnayake Nilame of the Kandy Sri Maha Kataragama Devalaya: 50 votes
- A.W. Sarath Bandaranayake, Basnayake Nilame of the Kandy Sri Natha Devalaya and Embekke Sri Kataragama Devalaya: 13 votes
Details regarding the number of votes received by the remaining candidates – Roshan Priyadarshana (custodian of the historic Sonuttara Rajamaha Viharaya), Inidika Ruwan Pathirana, Gamini Kaluhelandiwela, Professor Thilak Subasinghe, and retired Colonel Nanda Madugalle – were not immediately reported.
With this decisive victory, Pradeep Nilanga Dela will continue to serve as the Diyawadana Nilame of the Sri Dalada Maligawa for another decade.
