In a closely contested vote at the Ratnapura District Secretariat, Hishan Sankha Mapitigama of Godahela Walauwa secured victory as the new Basnayake Nilame of the historic Sabaragamuwa Maha Saman Devalaya, defeating a government-backed rival.
Mr. Hishan Sankha Mapitigama, an alumnus of Ratnapura Seevali Central Maha Vidyalaya and the current owner of Godahela Walauwa in Godakawela, Ratnapura, was elected as the new Basnayake Nilame of the historic Sabaragamuwa Maha Saman Devalaya. He won by a majority of six votes in an election held on August 20, 2025, and will serve for the next five years.
The election was conducted today at the Ratnapura District Secretariat Auditorium under the patronage of the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs, R.M. Gamini Senaratne. Nine Divisional Secretaries of the Ratnapura District, the Basnayake Nilame of Boltumbe Saman Devalaya, and the two temporary trustees of the Uggal Aluth Nuwara and Ammaduwa Kuda Kataragama Devalayas were eligible to participate.
In total, twelve voters were eligible, and eleven cast their ballots. One vote was rejected, leaving ten valid votes. Out of these, Mr. Hishan Sankha Mapitigama secured six votes, making him the winner and the new Basnayake Nilame of the Sabaragamuwa Maha Saman Devalaya.
It is reported that his rival candidate had strong government backing but failed to secure enough support to win the election.
