Duwegama Indajothi Sthavira and Others v. Paragastota Rewatha Sthavira – sllr 1988 volume 2 page 283

In the case between Duwegama Indajothi Sthavira and others (as appellants) and Paragasthota Rewatha Sthavira (as respondent), the court addressed the issue of the lawful viharadhipathi (incumbent priest) of the Uggalboda Malasne Rajamaha Vihara. The primary question considered was whether the right to appoint successors, originally limited to the “original viharadhipathi” or “founder priest,” has, by later judicial interpretation, been extended to any de jure incumbent under Buddhist Ecclesiastical Law, particularly as interpreted through the Sisyanu Sisya Paramparawa rule. It was held that the original limitation, as expressed in the Malwatta opinion and confirmed by historic precedent, remains unaltered and that appointment rights do not extend beyond the founder priest by mere deed or c