Definition of "devale"

Both the Maligava and the devales are administered by chief temple officials and their deputies, the services during the festival from providing supplies and decorations to participation in the processions are performed by temple tenants who hold temple lands (vihāragam and dēvālagam) in lieu of their rājakāriya (lit. "king's work," in this case temple service).

1972, Hans Dieter Evers, Monks, Priests and Peasants: A Study of Buddhism and Social Structure in Central Ceylon

Worshippers at the devale would hand over a small offering of betel and incense sticks to the kapurala and tell him their problems.

1992, Piya Tan, Buddhist currents: a brief social analysis of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and Siam