Ravindra Kalupahana has been reinstated as the Basnayake Nilame of the Soragune Devalaya by the Court of Appeal

The Court of Appeal today issued an interim order reinstating H.M. Janaka Ravindra Kalupahana as the Basnayake Nilame of the Soragune Kuda Katharagama Devalaya.

 Janaka Ravindra Kalupahana had filed a petition in the Court of Appeal challenging his suspension by letter dated January 26, 2023, from the Soragune Kuda Katharagama Devalaye based on purported allegations without a proper hearing, and thus the said suspension violates the rules of natural justice.

 Having heard the submissions put forth by the Farman Cassim PC for the Petitioner and the respondent, a Court of Appeal two-judge bench comprised of Justice (President) Nissanka Bandula Karunaratne and Justice M.A.R. Marikar, granted interim relief, staying the operation of the letter of suspension.

Farman Cassim PC asserted that a certain "Charitha Sebastian Prabodha Nugawela" had been unlawfully and maliciously appointed as a provisional appointment to the position of Basnayake Nilame. Consequently, the Court of Appeal granted further interim relief, staying the said provisional appointment, thus paving the way for the reinstatement of H.M. Janaka Ravindra Kalupahana.

The case will be called on the 31st of March.