Rev. Magala Somananda Thero vs Rev. Magala Buddhananda Thero – CA 819/98 F -2013

The case between Rev. Magala Somananda Thero (Shylatharama Purana Wiharaya, Galagoda, Karandeniya) and Rev. Magala Buddhananda Thero (Siri Wijayarama Wiharaya, Magala South, Karandeniya) addressed the issue of entitlement to the position of Viharadhipathi (chief incumbent) of Siri Wijayarama temple, following the death of the parties’ teacher. The court held that entitlement to Viharadhipathiship is determined by seniority in ordination under Buddhist ecclesiastical law, and the plaintiff, being established as the senior pupil, is entitled to the position. The award of damages to the plaintiff was reversed due to lack of evidentiary support. This decision reaffirmed the principle from Somaratne Vs. Jinaratne [42 NLR 361] that seniority governs succession to incumbency in Buddhist temples,