• Devinuwara Vishnu Devalaya Basnayake Nilame accused of outsourcing Kavadi
• His dual role in 2 Devalayas under fire
• Security risk concerns raised for participants and spectators

Organised crime elements have allegedly become involved in a dispute surrounding the forthcoming Devinuwara Vishnu Devalaya Esala Perahera after the Devalaya's Basnayake Nilame, Thilina Madushanka Abeyrathna allegedly delegated responsibility for organising the traditional Kavadi dance to an outside group. 

Further, concerns have been raised over his ability to fulfil ceremonial duties at both the Devinuwara Vishnu Devalaya and the Ruhunu Kataragama Devalaya.

Speaking to The Daily Morning, informed sources claimed that Abeyrathna lacks adequate knowledge of the Devalaya's traditions and the legal framework governing temple properties, including the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance (Vihara Devalagam Act), and has attempted to treat Devalaya property as though it were for personal use. They said that organising every aspect of the annual perahera, including the management of all participating groups, is traditionally the responsibility of both the Devalaya and the Basnayake Nilame. 

However, they alleged that instead of carrying out that responsibility, Abeyrathna had instructed a group of residents of a nearby village to establish an association and organise the Kavadi dancers, transferring his responsibilities to an external party. According to the sources, this has now led to tensions between two separate groups claiming the right to perform the Kavadi dance, with reports suggesting that organised criminal elements have begun intervening in the dispute.

"Had Abeyrathna and the Devalaya properly organised the perahera, this situation would not have arisen. By handing over this responsibility to an outside party, a serious security risk has now been created," one source said. They warned that if any incident is to occur during the perahera, not only the participants but also spectators could be placed at risk.

The sources also questioned how the same individual could properly perform the duties of the Basnayake Nilame at both the Kataragama Esala Perahera, since 15 July till 29 July, and the Devinuwara Vishnu Devalaya Esala Perahera, which will be held from today (23) to 29 July. They pointed out that, under the traditions of the Devinuwara Vishnu Devalaya, the Basnayake Nilame is required to accompany the procession on all seven days of the perahera. The Basnayake Nilame is also expected to participate in the Kataragama Esala Perahera.

As the same individual serves as the Basnayake Nilame and the custodian of both the Devalayas, the sources alleged that it is practically impossible for him to fulfil both ceremonial obligations simultaneously. They further maintained that the traditions of the Devinuwara Vishnu Devalaya do not permit another representative to participate in the procession in place of the Basnayake Nilame and that, without the approval of the Buddhist Affairs Commissioner General (CG), there is no legal authority for another individual to perform those duties even under special circumstances. According to the sources, there is no indication that the Basnayake Nilame has informed the Buddhist Affairs CG of any such arrangement.

Multiple attempts to contact the Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Dr Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, the Deputy subject Minister Gamagedara Dissanayake, Abeyrathna, and the Buddhist Affairs CG Gamini Senaratne proved futile. 

Meanwhile, a shooting at a house near the Dewundara Devalaya in Matara is suspected to have been connected to a dispute between two organised criminal figures over the annual Dewundara Devalaya Perahera. Investigating officers suspect that the shooting was carried out by a group linked to an organised crime figure known as "Dehi Bale Malli".

The shooting follows alleged death threats issued on Monday (20) against Abeyrathna, over a decision to reduce the number of ‘Kavadi dance’ groups participating in the annual procession. The threats were reportedly made using the alias “KPI”, a name associated with the organised crime figure “Kanjipani Imran”. Following the threats, an audio recording allegedly containing death threats made by “Dehi Bale Malli” against “Kanjipani Imran” was circulated on social media. A second audio recording was later released.

An unidentified gunman who arrived in a car opened fire at a house located approximately 200 metres from the Devalaya on Tuesday night (21). The shooting was captured on a nearby closed circuit television camera. Following the incident, another audio recording allegedly released in the name of “Dehi Bale Malli” was circulated on social media.