Today there is a growing interest in religions, in view of the rising tension in the society and separate individuals. People from different walks of life seek support from religious teachings to find solutions to their problems. Many people living in different parts of the world now think Buddha’s teachings can provide sustainable solution to current problems. As a result, Buddhism is becoming a growing faith in the world, particularly in America and Europe. We have also seen a worldwide increase in academic interest in relation to science and Buddhism.

In line with this trend, the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies of the University of Kelaniya has taken steps to introduce new study programmes and course units to promote Buddhist studies and research in different aspects of Buddhism and its relevance to the world today. The Department believes that this programme will suit both non-Buddhists and non-Theravada Buddhists as well, to improve their knowledge in Buddhism. Apart from this, the programme is aimed to assist those who seek solutions to individual and social problems through Buddhism.

This Diploma in Buddhist Studies is equivalent to the first year of the Bachelour of Arts Degree as prescribed in the Sri Lanka Qualification Framework (SLQF 03). Therefore, first, applicants should select three subjects out of four (i) Pali, (ii) Buddhist Philosophy, (iii) Buddhist Culture, (iv) Buddhist Psychology as found in the bellow table.

To complete this Diploma programme, candidates should earn 30 credits from three subjects including the credits of compulsory course units in the relevant subject. To be acquainted with the language and terminology of the source materials, Pali, Sanskrit and English can be taught as additional course units, on the requirement and agreement of relevant institution. The credits earned from additional course units will be included in the result sheet but will not be counted for the completion of the Diploma.

The mode of delivery will be full-time in one year or part-time in two years. The teaching of the programme has to be done by a qualified academic staff of the foreign institute, recommended by the Department, and according to the syllabus approved by the Senate of the university. Setting and moderation of question papers, continues evaluation, conducting year/semester end examination, marking answer scripts have to be done by the Senate approved examiners and supervisors of the university and the foreign academic institute. The medium of instruction can be decided either as English or Chinese, at the time of registration, on the recommendation of the conducting institute. Necessary documents including the syllabus and the regulations, translated into Chinese or English should be available for the use of both parties.