Balapitiya Gunananda Thero v. Talalle Methananda Thero – sllr 1997 volume 2 page 101

In the case between Balapitiya Gunānanda Thero (plaintiff) and Talalle Methananda Thero (defendant), the court addressed the issue of succession to the Viharadhipathiship of a temple and Pirivena, focusing on seniority determined by the order of robing among the pupils of the late Devananda Thero. The main questions were the proper determination of who was robed first, the assessment of conflicting oral and documentary evidence (notably documents P3, P4, and P5), and the validity of the procedures relating to the defendant’s alleged expulsion from the Nikaya and priesthood. The court held that the plaintiff’s evidence established his seniority and found no proper basis for the defendant’s expulsion due to the absence of a fair inquiry and due procedure. The principle that seniority among B