Venerable Puliyadhe Indrarathna Thero vs W.M. Tikiri Banda – CA 635/2000-2016

The case between Venerable Puliyadhe Indrarathna Thero (Chief Incumbent of Hapuwida Purana Viharaya, Alawatta) and W.M. Tikiri Banda (Athupothuwela, Ukuwela) addressed the issue of entitlement to the property described in the schedule to the plaint and whether the plaintiff had the requisite locus standi as lawful chief incumbent (Viharadipathi) of the temple. It was held that the plaintiff did not successfully establish his succession as Viharadipathi and consequently lacked standing to claim the property. The principle reaffirmed concerned the necessity for proper proof of succession within Buddhist temporalities to prove legal standing for temple property disputes. The decision relied on the evidence of succession, relevant admissions, and the application of standards relating to the wi