The decision was made as the nominations were not finalised.

The candidates whose candidacy was revoked are Sudantha Senanayake and Chamila Konara.

The Diyawadana Nilame will be elected for Sri Dalada Maligawa for a term of ten years and the vote being held today (08).

Those qualified to vote at the election are the Mahanayake Theras of Malwatte and Asgiriya chapters, custodians of ancient Vihares, Basnayaka Nilames of Devales and the male Pradeshiya Secretaries.

A meeting of 300 representatives, both Sangha and laymen, is now being held for this purpose at the Senkadagala Buddhist Centre, Hall today and is chaired by the Buddhist Commissioner.

At the present, three candidates are vying for the coveted office of the lay custodian of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Chief Administrator of the Temple of the Tooth Relic.

They are : Acting Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela, his predecessor Neranjan Wijeyaratne and Basnayaka Nilame of Sri Natha Devale Gayan Heenkenda.

It is said that the Acting Diyawadana Nilame is currently in the lead.