Rs. 1.5 Billion Needed Annually to Maintain Sri Dalada Maligawa - Diyawadana Nilame

by Editor,
8 months ago
in Sri Lanka News

The Sri Dalada Maligawa requires an annual income of approximately Rs. 1.5 billion (around USD 5 million) to sustain its operations and continue centuries-old religious traditions, Chief Lay Custodian Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela said.

Speaking at an event in Pallekele, Dela noted that the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic must generate at least Rs. 5 million per day to meet its growing financial commitments, describing the challenge as particularly severe this year.

He highlighted the dramatic shift in the temple’s financial situation over the past two decades. In 2005, the Maligawa’s annual income amounted to about Rs. 80 million, of which Rs. 35 million was earned through interest.

“Today, we need Rs. 1,500 million a year to maintain the Maligawa,” Dela said. “Without generating Rs. 5 million per day, it will be difficult to continue temple operations. This has become a major responsibility and a significant challenge.”

Located in Kandy, the Sri Dalada Maligawa is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Maintenance costs include daily religious rituals (Thevava), preservation of the historic structure, staff salaries, and the care of the temple’s elephants.