Kalegama Ananda Thero v. Makkuddala Gnanissara Thero – sllr 1999 volume 2 page 218

In the case between Ariyagnana Thero and Ananda Thero, the court addressed the issue of whether Pemananda Thero, the predecessor, had legally abandoned his position as Viharadhipathi of Lendaramulla Vihare by deserting his duties and failing to discharge his functions. It was held that the evidence did not establish a clear and deliberate abandonment of the Viharadhipathiship by Pemananda Thero, reaffirming the principle that abandonment in Buddhist Ecclesiastical Law must be proved by clear and convincing evidence. The decision relied on the analysis of testimonial and documentary evidence, emphasizing that actual management or association with the temple’s affairs did not amount to legal abandonment. The appeal was dismissed, and the position of succession under Buddhist Ecclesiastical L