Sri Lanka: Kataragama Devalaya to Auction 70% of Gold Reserves for National Rebuilding Fund
By Lions Roar News National Desk
KATARAGAMA, SRI LANKA (January 3, 2026) — In an unprecedented act of religious and national solidarity, the Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Devalaya has announced plans to auction approximately 70% of the gold items currently held in its secure vaults. The proceeds from this historic sale will be donated directly to the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Fund, a government initiative established to facilitate the nation’s recovery following the devastation of Cyclone Ditwah.
The decision was confirmed by the recently appointed Basnayake Nilame of the Devalaya, Thilina Madusanka, who emphasized that the move is aimed at supporting the country during its most challenging hour.
🛡️ Ensuring Transparency and Heritage Protection
The Basnayake Nilame addressed public concerns regarding the historical and religious value of the Devalaya’s treasures. To maintain the sanctity of the institution, several safeguards have been put in place:
- Deity Images Excluded: All gold items bearing the images of deities or those considered to have significant religious importance will be strictly excluded from the auction.
- Modern Offerings Only: The auction will focus on gold jewelry and items donated by devotees in recent history.
- Expert Oversight: The entire process—from valuation to the final sale—will be conducted under the rigorous supervision of the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA).
- Official Guidance: Advice has been sought from the Commissioner General of Buddhist Affairs to ensure the move aligns with traditional and legal protocols.
🚫 Debunking “2,000-Year-Old Gold” Rumors
Addressing misinformation circulating on social media, Thilina Madusanka categorically denied claims that ancient artifacts or gold dating back 2,000 years were being sold.
“Reports claiming that we are attempting to auction gold items with a history of over 2,000 years are completely false,” the Basnayake Nilame stated. “We are only planning to transparently transfer gold that has been offered by devotees in recent years to support the government’s rebuilding efforts.”
💰 Impact on the “Rebuilding Sri Lanka” Fund
The donation comes at a critical time as the government seeks to bridge a massive funding gap for infrastructure repair and victim compensation.
Why this matters:
- Scale of Donation: 70% of the modern gold reserves represents a multi-million rupee contribution.
- Public Trust: By involving the NGJA and the Commissioner of Buddhist Affairs, the Devalaya is setting a benchmark for transparency in religious donations.
- Civic Duty: The move is expected to inspire other major religious institutions across Sri Lanka to contribute their surplus reserves to the national recovery cause.
