Ven. Gatamanne Sasanaratana Thero vs. Ven. Gatamanne Dhammalankara Thero – SC/APPEAL/171/2014-2024

In the case between Ven. Gatamanne Dhammalankara Thero (plaintiff/respondent) and Ven. Gatamanne Sasanaratana Thero (defendant/appellant), the court addressed the issue of whether the actions of Indagutta Thero and Buddhasoma Thero, senior pupils in the pupillary succession of the Viharadhipathi, resulted in forfeiture of their rights by abandonment, and consequently, whether the defendant rightfully succeeded as Viharadhipathi of Siri Sunanda Maha Viharaya. It was held that the plaintiff failed to establish sufficient evidence of abandonment by the senior pupils, and that the defendant is recognized as the lawful (de jure) Viharadhipathi. The principle reaffirmed was that abandonment of rights in pupillary succession must be proven by clear and convincing evidence, and absence or minimal