The Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya stated that improving Bhikkhu education is not merely about producing graduates, and that the government’s objective is to nurture a generation of Bikkhu who stand for social justice and compassion, equipped with Dhamma, discipline, and scholarly learning.
The Prime Minister made these remarks while attending the opening ceremony of the newly constructed multi-purpose auditorium complex at the Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka in Anuradhapura, and the felicitation ceremony held in honour of the Atamasthanadhipathi Chief Incumbent on 07 of March.
Marking the opening of the new multi-purpose auditorium complex, the commemorative plaque was unveiled by Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. On this occasion, tribute awards were also presented in appreciation of the services rendered by Atamasthanadhipathi Ven. Dr. Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thero, Senior Professor C. M. Madduma Bandara, and State Counsel Mahinda Ralapanawa.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister further stated:
When we look back at our history, university education was never something unfamiliar to Buddhist monks.
World-renowned institutions such as Nalanda and Vikramashila were established through the contributions of Buddhist monks.
Likewise, the Mahavihara and Abhayagiri in Anuradhapura once functioned as internationally renowned centres of Buddhist Learning.
The scholarly heritage that declined during the period of foreign domination was revived through the leadership of Weliwita Sri Saranankara Sangaraja Thero.
A decisive step in this journey was the elevation of Vidyodaya and Vidyalankara Pirivenas to university status in 1959.
Today, our effort is to carry forward that heritage in a manner suited to the modern world, grounded in scientific and rational foundations. The policy of our government is to further strengthen free education while ensuring quality education for every citizen, and to establish education as a universal human right while enhancing the international recognition of Sri Lanka’s education system.
The Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka holds a unique position within the country’s higher education system, as its administration and academic affairs are entrusted to the Buddhist clergy themselves. The primary objective of this university should not be limited to producing graduates alone. Rather, it should aim to nurture a generation of Bikkhu who stand for social justice and compassion, equipped with Dhamma, discipline, and scholarly learning.
We are also prepared to extend our fullest support in enabling monks to promote Buddhist philosophy internationally by providing them with knowledge of classical languages such as Pali and Sanskrit, along with the linguistic skills and technological tools required to engage with the modern world.
The newly opened multi-purpose auditorium complex is viewed as a national asset. With seating capacity for approximately 1,100 persons, and equipped with modern sound and lighting systems, this facility will enable Sri Lanka to emerge as a centre for global Buddhist education.
Furthermore, the language training centre and the international relations unit established here will facilitate the organization of Dhamma missionary activities.
This is not merely a physical structure. We see it as a public space that will open up opportunities for research, cultural engagement, and intellectual dialogue for the people of the North Central Province in the future.
Our goal is to build an intellectually vibrant society grounded in strong values. For this purpose, effective coordination between religious institutions and universities is essential.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya also expressed her confidence that the Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka will become a pioneer in promoting national unity, coexistence, and an ethical society.
The event was attended by the Chancellor of the Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka and Supreme Mahanayaka of the Sri Lanka Amarapura Maha Nikaya, Most Venerable Karagoda Uyangoda Maithree Murthi Thero; the Anunayake Thero of the Malwathu Chapter, Most Venerable Niyangoda Vijithasiri Nayaka Thero; Mahopadhyaya Senior Professor Ven. Kanattegoda Saddharathana Anunayaka Thero; Chief Sanghanayaka of Nuwara Kalaviya and Atamasthanadhipathi of Anuradhapura, Ven. Dr. Pallegama Hemarathana Nayaka Thero; Governor of the North Central Province Wasantha Jinadasa; Minister of Trade, Commerce and Food Security Wasantha Samarasinghe; Members of Parliament Sena Nanayakkara, P.D.M.K. Palihena, and Susantha Kumara Nawarathna and academic and non-academic staff of the Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka.
Prime Minister’s Media Division