The Basnayake Nilame of the historic Dodanwela Natha Devale, Akalanka Bandara Werapitiya, has urged that the silver replica of the original golden crown—gifted to the devale by King Rajasinghe II—be restored to its rightful place within the sacred premises.
The original golden crown was presented by King Rajasinghe II following his victory at the historic Battle of Gannoruwa. It remained at the Dodanwela Natha Devale for centuries until officials of the Department of Archaeology transferred it to the Kandy Museum, from where it was later stolen. Subsequently, a silver replica was created and placed in the museum.
Speaking on the matter, the Basnayake Nilame emphasized that the kapu mahatmayas of the devale had faithfully safeguarded the golden crown for more than 300 years before it was taken away. He stressed that, at the very least, the silver replica should now be returned to the devale, so that the people of Yatinuwara and other devotees may once again witness a representation of the offering made by the Kandyan king to God Natha.
