Mission
Training academically and pertinently competent Buddhist scholars to dedicate for the wellbeing of every living thing.
Vision
To become a pathfinder of academia in teaching, research, dissemination and socialization of the Buddha's teachings.
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Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies
Department of Pāli and Buddhist Studies is a pioneering department at the University of Kelaniya which was known as the ‘Buddhist Faculty’ at the outset of the Vidyalankara University. The main purpose of the Department is to promote large areas of studies and researches on Buddhism giving pivotal attention to Pāli Canon while also academically scrutinizing the teachings of the Buddha together with its philosophical and cultural aspects. Indeed, the mission of the department is to enable the student to handle the wide field of Buddhist Studies successfully.
Consequently, Pali, Buddhist Philosophy and Buddhist Culture are the main subjects in the curricula of this Department and it offers a broad range of Buddhist and Pali studies at postgraduate research (M.A./M.Phil./Ph.D.) and undergraduate levels. As a result of the interest in the study of Buddhism, this department has acquired a remarkable upsurge of fame among the other academic Buddhist institutions both in Sri Lanka and overseas. Thus, a remarkable number of foreign students from various countries such as China, Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and Bangladesh are studying in this department. Further, countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and China, America conduct academics in Buddhist Studies and conferment degrees following the subject syllabi and other guidelines of the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies of the University of Kelaniya.
Consequently, Pali, Buddhist Philosophy and Buddhist Culture are the main subjects in the curricula of this Department and it offers a broad range of Buddhist and Pali studies at postgraduate research (M.A./M.Phil./Ph.D.) and undergraduate levels. As a result of the interest in the study of Buddhism, this department has acquired a remarkable upsurge of fame among the other academic Buddhist institutions both in Sri Lanka and overseas. Thus, a remarkable number of foreign students from various countries such as China, Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and Bangladesh are studying in this department. Further, countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and China, America conduct academics in Buddhist Studies and conferment degrees following the subject syllabi and other guidelines of the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies of the University of Kelaniya.
Latest News | Events | Updates
Welcome to the news and updates portal of the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, University of Kelaniya. Rooted in a proud legacy of Buddhist scholarship and the preservation of ancient wisdom, this page serves as a gateway to our latest academic endeavors, cultural events, and departmental milestones. We invite students, scholars, and devotees of the Dhamma to stay connected with the continued journey of knowledge, reflection, and tradition.

A preliminary agreement
A preliminary agreement to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding between the Dhammachai Educational Institute in Thailand and the University of Kelaniya was signed on 2025.03.24 in Thailand under the leadership of Dr. Ven. Pongsak Thaniyo and Senior Professor Ven. Makuruppe Dhammananda Thero.

Students' Welfare Program
The Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies at the University of Kelaniya proudly announces the successful completion of its 2025 scholarship program, generously sponsored by the Glorious Sun Charity Foundation. This marks the 14th round of scholarship awarding.

Tea Reception
This tea reception was organized by the students who pursued the Special Degree in Pali Language, Buddhist Philosophy, Buddhist Psychology, and Buddhist Culture under the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies at the University of Kelaniya during the 2019/20 academic year.
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