VIHARA DEWALAGAM

Temple and Devalagam Procedures

1. Registration of a Temple (Viharaya)

1. Duly complete the Temple Registration Application Form (DBA/VD/TR/001) and submit it to the Temple and Devalagam Division of the Department of Buddhist Affairs.

2. The original letter from the Mahanayaka Thera (Chief Prelate) of the relevant Nikāya (Fraternity) confirming the Viharadhipathithvaya (Chief Incumbency) of the temple.

3. Submission of documents confirming that the land ownership has been transferred to the place of worship as Sanghika (dedicated to the Sangha/Order of Monks).

   • I. Deed

   • II. License/Permit

   • III. Grant/Donation Letter

   • IV. Survey Plan

4. In the case of a government land, a letter from the Divisional Secretary with a recommendation regarding the transfer of the land to the place of worship.

2. Leasing of Lands Belonging to Temples and Devales (Temples of Gods)

1. Certificate confirming the Viharadhipathithvaya (Chief Incumbency) of the Mahanayaka Thera / Relevant certificate for the position of Basnayaka Nilame (Chief Lay Custodian) or Trustee.

2. If the land was previously leased, written documentation confirming the exit of the former lessee from the land.

3. Lease application form.

4. A copy of the survey plan relating to the portion of the land to be leased.

5. If a company or institution is obtaining the lease, a copy of the company’s certificate of registration.

6. Details of the persons authorized to sign the lease deeds on behalf of the company.

7. Recommendation from the Divisional Secretary regarding the clear title of the land and the purpose for which the lease is sought.

8. Other necessary recommendations:

   • Valuation Report

   • Recommendations from the Central Environmental Authority, Department of Archaeology, Forest Conservation Department, Department of Wildlife, Geological Survey and Mines Bureau, Dayaka Sabha (Lay Patrons’ Council), and other relevant institutions.

3. Release of Bank Funds / Vehicles Belonging to Deceased Monks

1. Request detailing the accounts of the deceased monk.

2. A certified copy of the death certificate.

3. Documents confirming the temple to which the deceased monk belonged (Copies of Upasampadā / Sāmaṇera declarations).

4. Letter from the Viharadhipathi Thera requesting the funds, along with an estimate recommended by the Divisional Secretary detailing the temple activities planned to be carried out using the money in the account.

5. Certificate obtained from the Mahanayaka Thera of the Nikāya confirming the appointment of the new Viharadhipathi.

6. Copies of the Sāmaṇera / Upasampadā certificates of the monk requesting the funds.

7. If money has been previously released from these accounts, the expenditure details recommended by the Divisional Secretary, relating to the work completed in the temple.

4. Granting Approval to Fell and Sell Trees on Lands Belonging to Temples and Devales

1. Letter requesting approval to fell trees (from the Viharadhipathi Thera / Trustee).

2. Certificate from the Mahanayaka Thera of the Nikāya confirming the Viharadhipathi position, or the certificate of appointment as Trustee / Basnayaka Nilame.

3. An expenditure estimate detailing the activities proposed to be carried out with the proceeds from selling the trees, OR details if the timber will be used for the temple’s own requirements.

4. Documents confirming the land ownership is vested in the place of worship.

5. Granting Recommendations for Grant/Donation Letters

1. Certificate from the Mahanayaka Thera of the Nikāya confirming the Viharadhipathi position.

2. Recommendation from the Divisional Secretary.

3. Recommendations from other relevant institutions, when necessary.

6. Notification that Personally Acquired Property by Monks is Not Sanghika (Not Vested in the Order)

1. Request from the relevant monk.

2. Original copies of the deeds and survey plans related to the property.

3. Certified copies of the land registration extracts (from the Land Registry Office) relating to the property registration (Going back 35 years).

7. Granting Recommendations for Constructing Aranyas (Forest Monasteries) on Lands Belonging to the Forest Conservation Department

1. Request letter.

2. Recommendation from the Registrar Thera of the relevant Divisional Sasana Rakshaka Mandalaya (Council for the Protection of the Sasana).

3. Recommendation from the Divisional Secretary.

4. Recommendation from the Department of Archaeology if the area contains archaeological ruins.

8. Appointment of Trustees for Temples Operating Under the Management of Section 4 (1) of the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance

1. Certificate from the Mahanayaka Thera of the Nikāya confirming the Viharadhipathi position.

2. Nomination submitted by the Viharadhipathi Thera.

3. Pledge Form (Application form available from this Department).

4. Depositing the security deposit based on the estimated revenue and expenditure (Must be deposited at this office).

9. Transfer of Vehicles of Deceased Monks to the Relevant Viharadhipathi Position

1. Certificate from the Mahanayaka Thera of the Nikāya confirming the Viharadhipathi position.

2. Request letter from the current Viharadhipathi Thera.

3. Copy of the deceased monk’s death certificate.

4. Vehicle registration book and a photocopy thereof.

10. Granting Recommendations for Gem Licenses

1. Recommendation from the Gem and Jewellery Authority.

2. Confirmation that the relevant land is vested in the place of worship.

3. Confirmation of the Viharadhipathi position by the Mahanayaka Thera of the Nikaya.

11. Conducting Auditing Activities for Trustee-Managed Places of Worship Under Section 4 (1) Management

1. Annual collection of estimated budget reports and half-yearly budget reports from temples and devales.

2. Auditing of the estimated budget reports.

3. Approving the reports and resubmitting them.

12. Claims for Property Vested in Places of Worship Acquired by the Government

1. Request letter from the legally appointed Viharadhipathi Thera / Trustee / Basnayaka Nilame of the relevant place of worship.

2. If it is a temple, the certificate from the Mahanayaka Thera of the Nikāya confirming the Viharadhipathi position.

3. An estimate of the required funds, recommended by the Divisional Secretary.