Ratnapura – The Court of Appeal has issued a temporary injunction suspending the appointment of gem businessman S.V. Chandrasinghe as the temporary trustee of the Sabaragamuwa Maha Saman Devalaya.
The court order was issued to halt the implementation of the decision made by the Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs, following concerns raised over the appointment process.
In addition to the suspension of the trustee appointment, the Court of Appeal has also issued another interim injunction preventing Chandrasinghe from voting in the upcoming election to select the Basnayake Nilame of the Saman Devalaya, scheduled for the 11th of this month.
The orders were made after the court reviewed a petition challenging the appointment, which claimed that the current acting Basnayake Nilame was appointed illegally and against traditional customs following the completion of the former Basnayake Nilame’s term.
Public discontent over the appointment has been evident, with protests held in front of the Saman Devalaya. Protesters alleged that a government political activist had been appointed as the acting Basnayake Nilame, raising concerns over political interference in religious affairs.
The controversy surrounding the appointment has sparked intense debate, with legal proceedings expected to further determine the validity of the appointment and uphold the traditions of the Devalaya.
