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| DIYAWADANA NILAME |
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The Appointment to the position of Diyawadana Nilame was done, by the ruling Kings during the Sinhala monarchy. Later with Government admistrative changes the process was changed and conducted through a vote. This process was gazetted under act No K 19 of 1931. The Sri Dalada Maligawa is governed by ancient traditions. The management of valuable, movable and immovable property belonging to its inventory is also a major part of the DNs duties. These multiple duties are delegated to his subordinates who are assigned to each subject. The appointment and management of all these carders come under the sole responsibility of the DN.
It is recorded that three appointments to this high post has been made during the Kandian kingdom. There duties however have been much different to the present office. Being in charge of the Kings bath and the pouring of water on the royal hand from a golden kettle in the royal dinning hall has been the duty of the first Diyawadana Nilame. The second has been in charge of the royal bath of the Queens and princes in the lower chamber. The third was in charge of all royal services in the pen vadima (water service) at the daily Multhan Buddha Pooja, Nanumura Mangallaya and pouring the water on the kings hands at the shrine room. It is very evident that the duties of this position was solely accustomed to the Dalada maligawa. However these duties are now carried out by an officer designated Geparala (Gnanadarshanaya – by Prof. Anuradha Senevirathne).
Prof. Charles Godakumbura notes the possibility of a Minister in charge of water works, having been in charge of these duties in the pre Kandian period. The belief of the common masses was that only the powers of the Sacred Tooth Relic could bring timely rains and prosperity to the country. Further he states that this belief resulted in the Kings decision to appoint a special officer to this important post. It is strongly believed that this ministerial post was later developed to that of Diyawadana Nilame.
Presently the post of Diyawadana Nilame is internationally known as the highest lay position in the world and respected as the leader of the Buddhist public in the world. This position holds many responsibilities in religious, national, and social sectors extending the duties of the Diyawadana Nilame to a broader base His prime duty is to maintain ancient traditions and position the Sri Dalada Maligawa as a global heritage. As a leader he is looked upon to formulate strategies and lead the way for the sustenance of a just Buddhist society in the world. All national and International leaders who visit the Sri Dalada Maligawa always pays a courtesy call on the Diyawadana Nilame.
Most of the duties of the present Diyawadana Nilame transformed as it is under the British rule since 1853. Symbolically the DN is the is the custodian of the key to the main (Karanduwa) casket which was once held by the King. |
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