Rev. Nikaweratiye Mangala Thero vs Wedanaidelage Signappu Naide – CA NO. 293/2000 F-2013

In the case between Rev. Nikaweratiye Mangala Thero (on behalf of the deceased Rev. Wilakatupotha Sri Seelanandabhidana, Viharadhipathy of Swarnabimbarama Rajamaha Vihara, Usgala, Kobeygane) and Wedanaidelage Signappu Naide alias Signappu, the legal issue addressed was whether the disputed land constituted temple property and whether a claim for recovery was barred by prescription. It was held that the land was temple property and that the Prescription Ordinance could not defeat such a claim, reaffirming the principle that the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance prevails in cases involving temple property. The decision relied on Section 34 of the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance, emphasizing that unless rights were acquired prior to the Ordinance’s commencement, claims for recovery are not li