Sangapala Thero v. Telwatta Nagitha Thero – sllr 1982 volume 2 page 525

In the case between Rev. Sangapala Thero (Plaintiff-Appellant) and Rev. Nagitha Thero (Defendant-Respondent), the court addressed the issue of whether an informal ola leaf writing (P17A) constituted a valid and permanent act of appointment of Rev. Amarawansa as the Viharadhipathy of Gothami Vihare. It was held that the documentary evidence did not amount to a formal appointment, and the appellant lacked legal standing to challenge the established line of succession. The principle reaffirmed was that a de facto assumption of temple management does not equate to de jure entitlement under Buddhist Ecclesiastical Law, and informal expressions of intent do not override formal requirements for perpetual appointment. The court relied on the analysis of documentary and expert evidence, emphasizing