R v. Pallegama Gnanarathana v. Rev. Gaikiriyagama Soratha – sllr 1988 volume 1 page 099

Brief
In the case between Soratha Thero (plaintiff) and Pallegama Gnanaratana Thero (defendant), the court considered whether succession to the position of Atamasthanadhipathi (chief priest of the Bomaluwa and the eight sacred temples at Anuradhapura) is determined by an automatic pupillary succession (sishyanu sishya paramparawa) or by established custom involving nomination by the head of the Nuwarawewa family and election by a representative committee. After reviewing extensive historical and documentary evidence, it was held that succession is governed by this longstanding custom of nomination and election rather than strict pupillary succession. The court placed significant weight on documentary records and precedent, confirming the validity of the defendant’s appointment and dismissi