The Sri Dalada Maligawa has clarified details surrounding the newly constructed golden casket offered to enshrine the Sacred Tooth Relic, following what it described as false information circulating publicly.
In a letter addressed to the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs, the Mahanayake Theras of the Malwathu and Asgiriya Chapters and Diyawadana Nilame Pradeep Nilanga Dela said the casket had been formally offered on 8 September 2026.
The letter was signed by the Most Ven. Thibbatuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Mahanayake Thera of the Malwathu Chapter, the Most Ven. Warakagoda Sri Gnanarathana Mahanayake Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter and the Diyawadana Nilame.
According to a report issued by the National Gem and Jewellery Authority, the casket has a total weight of 86.04 kilogrammes. It reportedly contains 65.224 kilogrammes of gold, 1.480 kilogrammes of gemstones and 20.822 kilogrammes of supporting materials used for soldering.
The offering ceremony was conducted in accordance with longstanding traditions, with the participation of the Mahanayake Theras of the Malwathu and Asgiriya Chapters, the Diyawadana Nilame and the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs.
The casket was created with the approval of the Mahanayake Theras and funded entirely by Kamantha Amarasekara of Ethul Kotte, together with his relatives and well-wishers.
Meanwhile, steps are being taken to securely preserve the ancient gold-plated silver casket within the Sri Dalada Maligawa while safeguarding its historic identity. The original casket, which is of exceptional historical significance, was commissioned during the reign of King Wimaladharmasuriya II and completed during the reign of King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe.
The letter further stated that, under the Ordinance of 1853, responsibility for the protection of the Sacred Tooth Relic, the performance of its rituals and all related custodial rights rests with the Mahanayake Theras of the Malwathu and Asgiriya Chapters and the Diyawadana Nilame.
It added that the principal objective of the offering was to reaffirm before the global community the profound respect and devotion accorded to the Sacred Tooth Relic.
