He was elected to the post in 2005 for a period of 10 years when former Diyawadana Nilame Neranjan Wijeyeratne relinquished office.

and the approval of the Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs until a new Diyawadane Nilame is elected within three months.

Nearly 300 delegates including the two Mahanayake Theras, Chief Prelates, Basnayake Nilames and Divisional Secretaries are eligible to cast their votes at the election for a new Diyawadena Nilame.

The new Diyawadena Nilame elected at the election held under the supervision of the Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs has to submit an acceptance letter within a month of conducting the election.