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Axe on Shasheendra’s Basnayake Nilame post
View(s):A directive issued by the previous government to enable Sasheendra Rajapaksa to continue to hold the post of Basnayake Nilame of Ruhunu Maha Katharagama Devalaya after he was elected as the Uva Province Chief Minister has been revoked.
Public Administration and Buddha Sasana Minister Karu Jayasuriya through a Gazette notification revoked the directive and another directive that extended his term as Basnaayke Nilame for two years after he completed his five-year term.
The directives were issued by the then President Mahinda Rajapaksa under special powers vested in him to circumvent impediments in terms of the Buddhist Vihara and Devala Ordinance that prevented holders of political office from becoming a Basnayake Nilame.
Accordingly, new elections will be held for the post of Basnayake Nilame of the Ruhunu Maha Katharagama Devalaya.