Dharmatilake Thero v. Buddharakkita Thero – sllr 1990 volume 1 page 211

In the case between Dharmatilleke Thero (Plaintiff) and Buddharakkitā Thero (Defendant), the court addressed the issue of rightful succession to the Viharadhipathiship of the Kottarama Kande Vihara. It was held that the defendant had established entitlement to succession based on evidence related to the robing ceremony and compliance with statutory evidentiary requirements, reaffirming the principle that statutory documents serve as prima facie evidence regarding succession under the Sisyanu Sisya Paramparawa Rule. Reliance was placed on the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance and supporting documentary and oral evidence, emphasizing that such records are evidence of positive assertions, not omissions, thereby confirming the lower court’s decision and dismissing the appeal.

S. B. Goonewarden