The Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka stands as a distinguished institution dedicated to the propagation of the Tathāgata’s doctrine, extending its influence beyond Sri Lanka to both Eastern and Western nations. This article is published in commemoration of the university’s 42nd anniversary and the celebration of ‘University Day – 2025’ scheduled to take place on February 20, 2025.
Professor Venerable Walpola Sri Rahula Thero established the esteemed university with the aim of revitalising Sri Lankan Pirivena education. On February 13, 1981, thirty-seven eminent, learned, and virtuous senior Buddhist monks representing the three Nikayas convened at the Paramadhammachethiya Pirivena in Ratmalana for preliminary discussions. Following these deliberations, they drafted a formal proposal and presented it to the then President, J.R. Jayewardene. Subsequently, on November 25, 1981, Prime Minister Ranasinghe Premadasa introduced the proposed Act to Parliament, where it was unanimously passed with the full support of both government and opposition Members of Parliament.
The university was officially established in accordance with Extraordinary Gazette Notification No. 177/7, issued by President J.R. Jayewardene on January 15, 1982. As per both the original and amended Acts, the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka was initially comprised of four institutions. Primarily, the university had been founded for the benefit of Buddhist monks.
The objective of the Act had been to provide higher education to Buddhist monks within the monastic environment, ensuring that their academic learning remained integrated with the traditional monastery setting. To fulfill this purpose, four institutions had been established:
1. Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka – Vidyodaya Institute
2. Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka – Peliyagoda Vidyalankara Institute
3. Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka – Saddharmakara Institute
4. Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka – Balagalle Saraswathi Institute
The first Mahōpādhyāya (Vice-Chancellor) of the university was Dr. Kakkapalliye Anuruddha Thero, while the position of Mahāmahōpādhyāya(Chancellor) was held by the Mahānāyaka Thero of the Malwathu Chapter, Most Venerable Ananda Mahānāyaka Thero.
For thirteen years, the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka functioned as four distinct institutions, and with the support of Minister Richard Pathirana, who held the position of Minister of Education during the presidency of Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, the university was unified into a single institution on February 20, 1997and the academic activities were consolidated at the Homagama Pitipana-Gurulogomi premises.
The objectives of the university are to disseminate Buddhism both within Sri Lanka and internationally, further develop the study of the Pali language in Sri Lanka and abroad, and train monks to teach Buddhism and the Pali language in monasteries, schools, universities, and other relevant educational institutions. Additionally, the university aims to provide the necessary facilities for the monks’ character development, as well as the enhancement of their moral conduct (Sīla), concentration (Samādhi), and wisdom (Prajñā).
To achieve these objectives, the university currently operates three faculties: the Faculty of Buddhist Studies, the Faculty of Language Studies, and the Faculty of Postgraduate Studies. More than 5,000 local and international students are engaged in academic activities through both internal and external programs. Internal degree programs are exclusively pursued by student monks and lay male students.
The Faculty of Postgraduate Studies and the External Examinations Center provide academic opportunities ranging from certificate programs to doctoral degrees, including diplomas, advanced diplomas, postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees, and doctoral degrees (PhD). Furthermore, the university ensures an inclusive learning environment, offering access to education up to the doctoral level for both lay and monastic students, regardless of gender, nationality, caste, or religion.
To propagate Buddhism globally, the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka has established affiliated institutions in twelve countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Austria, Germany, the United Kingdom, Bangladesh, Australia, South Korea, and Japan. These institutions actively conduct academic programs, playing a crucial role in the university’s international mission.
In honor of the university, “University Day – 2025,” the celebration is being meticulously organised with the full dedication of the university’s academic and non-academic staff, along with its students. Under the esteemed leadership of the Venerable Mahōpādhyāya – Neluwe Sumanawansa Thero, the Dean of the Faculty of Buddhist Studies – Professor Venerable Homagama Dhammānanda Thero, the Dean of the Faculty of Language Studies – Senior Lecturer Dr. Venerable Kotiyagala Uparathana Thero, and the Dean of the Faculty of Postgraduate Studies – Professor Venerable Moragollagama Uparathana Thero, the event is set to take place grandly on February 20, 2025, at 2:00 PM in the university’s main auditorium.
In conjunction with University Day, a series of programs will be conducted from February 15 to February 22. On February 15, a Green Initiative program will take place, promoting environmental sustainability. Additionally, on February 20, a book exhibition will be organised within the university premises, featuring renowned Sri Lankan publishers.Complementing the celebrations, various creative skill assessment competitions will be held as well. On the same day, Professor Venerable Kotapitiye Rahula Thero, the Chief Secretary of the Sri Kalyani Samagri Maha Sangha Sabha in Kotte and a professor in the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies at the University of Peradeniya, will deliver a commemorative lecture in honor of Venerable Walpola Sri Rahula Thero.
As part of the ongoing national, religious, and cultural service, several significant activities will be conducted in conjunction with the celebrations. These include the establishment of an alumni association, the presentation of a documentary report about the university, the official launch of the university anthem, and the publication of new research and academic works.
On February 21, a Sarvarathrika Paritta chanting ceremony will be held at the Postgraduate and External Examination Center on Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo, with the full organisational support of postgraduate and external degree students. This event is dedicated to seeking blessings for the nation, the world, the academic and non-academic staff of the university, and both local and international students. The following morning, a Sanghika Dana (alms-giving ceremony) will be conducted.
Additionally, external degree students will donate school supplies to an underprivileged school, while internal degree students – both local and international – will organise religious programs. Moreover, a donation of medical equipment and essential medicines will be made to a government hospital as part of the university’s community service initiatives.
Dr. Venerable Padiyathalawa Amaravansa Thera
Department of Sinhala Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka
Secretary – University Day 2025 – Organising Committee
