‘I trust that the present activities of the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, reminiscent of the ancient pattern of education of Thaksila and Nalanda, will bring much fame to Sri Lanka in the future as a centre of Buddhist learning’, stated President Mahinda Rajapaksa.

In the efforts to make Sri Lanka a knowledge hub in the world, Buddhist education receives a significant place, the President further stated and added that the Buddhist and Pali University has a major role to play in this regard.

President Rajapaksa made this statement at the inaugural ceremony of the new building complex of the Sri Lanka Buddhist and Pali University in Homagama yesterday (12 August).

The children’s education is the nation’s development and the government will take all necessary measures to enhance children’s knowledge, stated President Rajapaksa.

Although education is constantly renewing, the foundation for Buddhist education cannot be changed, the President said.

He also said that the University has made great efforts to spread pristine Theravada Buddhism throughout the world.

The building complex which was opened yesterday is complete with a library, a building with lecture halls, a building for general utilities and two buildings for administrative purposes.

The University provides Buddhist and Pali education for local and foreign student as well as Buddhist clergy and laymen.

Scholars of countries such as America, Germany, Singapore, Malaysia, Korea, Austria and Scotland have established institutes for external degrees from this University, thus expanding it at international reach. The University has made much progress in research as well opening opportunities for those engaged in research for postgraduate qualifications.