It is very significant that he had been the Basnayake Nilame in two main Dewalaya in Sri Lanka simultaneously. As mentioned above, the experience he had received is immense from being the Basnayake Nilame of Ruhunu Maha Kataragama Dewalaya and Sabaragamuwa Saman Dewalaya which conduct the annual perahera that are being second only to the Esala Perahera in Kandy.

With this experience, Mr. Pradeep Nilanga Dela was elected as the 19th Diyawadana Nilame of the sacred temple of tooth on 31st July 2005. He was fortunate enough to be elected as the 19th Diyawadana Nilame of the Temple of Tooth consecutively for the second time in 2015 as well. The infinite service done by Mr. Pradeep Nilanga Dela as the Diyawadana Nilame according to his manifesto while understanding the responsibility as the Chief Custodian is well- respected and esteemed by the general public. As the son of Mr. and Mrs. Dixon Sarathchandra, Wanigasekara Wanasingha Mudiyanse Ralahamilage Pradeep Nilanga Dela was born on 28^th October 1973 at Godella Walawwa which was situated in a beautiful village called “Dela” in Rathnapura District. Mr. Pradeep Nilanga’s mother served as a teacher for a long period after her retirement she was enrobed. Currently, she lives in Ashoka Meditation Monastery in Pelawatta. He started schooling in 1978 in Thurston College, Colombo and his secondary education was obtained in Nalanda College, Colombo in 1980. He was awarded as the Best Nalandian in 1992 and was a senior prefect in Nalanda College. In addition, he has been a student activist by leading many school associations such as Commerce Society, Literature Association and Buddhist Association. Being interested in traditional dancing styles such as Kandyan, Low Country (Pahatharata) and Sabaragamuwa, he was able to gift many victories to his school from a number of dancing competitions including all-island competitions.