A Tribute to Academic Excellence: Launch of the Felicitation Volume for Emeritus Professor Tilak Kariyawasam
The Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies at the University of Kelaniya officially commenced its academic year for international scholars with the grand Inauguration Ceremony of the Diploma in Buddhist Studies (35th Batch). The event, held at the Faculty of Humanities Boardroom, was attended by university administrative heads, distinguished academic staff members of the university, non-academic staff, and an enthusiastic cohort of newly enrolled international students.
Dr. Sudath Senarath, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, and Prof. Chaminda Abeysinghe, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Kelaniya, graced the occasion as chief academic dignitaries. Their presence underscored the interdisciplinary significance of the programme and the university’s commitment to supporting international academic initiatives.
The proceedings commenced with a warm Welcome Address delivered by Senior Lecturer Ven. Deniyaye Paññāloka Buddharakkhita, Head of the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies. In his address, Ven. Paññāloka Thera welcomed the international students to the university’s scholarly community and provided essential guidance, academic insights, and practical information to help the incoming batch navigate their studies successfully.
Following the welcome address, Senior Professor Ven. Nabirittankadawara Gnanaratana delivered a comprehensive introduction to the history and structure of the diploma programme. He highlighted the rich legacy of the programme over its thirty-five intakes and explained how the curriculum has been carefully designed to provide international students with a profound and authentic understanding of Buddhist philosophy, psychology, texts, and culture.
The event also featured an inspiring keynote address by Prof. Ven. Miriswaththe Wimalagnana, who encouraged the students to engage in deep analytical inquiry and meaningful research throughout their period of study. The formal proceedings concluded with a Vote of Thanks delivered by Senior Lecturer Ven. M. Paññāloka, followed by the National Anthem.
The ceremony was well attended by a distinguished gathering of professors, senior lecturers, and lecturers from both the department and the wider faculty, together with dedicated members of the non-academic staff whose efforts contributed significantly to the success of the event.
With this successful inauguration, the University of Kelaniya continues to strengthen its global outreach, fostering an international academic environment for the preservation, study, and dissemination of Buddhist heritage and knowledge.
