Message from Dean

Welcome to the Faculty of Buddhist Studies – Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka.

It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to the Faculty of Buddhist Studies at the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka.

Established in 1997, the Faculty of Buddhist Studies is one of the three main faculties of the university and holds a proud legacy spanning nearly three decades. Over the years, it has grown steadily and now comprises four main academic departments. In addition, the faculty hosts a Palm Leaf Studies & Conservation Unit, an Information Technology Unit, and an Archaeology Teaching Museum.

Guided by the theme “Producing Local and International Dhamma Messengers,” all departments diligently fulfill their academic responsibilities. As the Dean of the Faculty of Buddhist Studies, I extend a warm and sincere welcome to all students enrolling in our degree programs.

In today’s world, where technology and society are rapidly evolving, we are fully committed to providing the guidance, encouragement, and support necessary for you to develop subject-specific knowledge, wisdom, values, and skills that are relevant to contemporary needs.

Grounded in Buddhist philosophy and prepared to meet future challenges, I wish you a meaningful, fulfilling, and successful academic journey with us.

Introduction to the faculty

The Faculty of Buddhist Studies (FBS) is one of the three main faculties at the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka. It comprises four academic departments and offers a variety of subject areas designed to meet the diverse needs and academic goals of students. These include Buddhist Philosophy, Buddhist Culture, Archaeology, Religious Studies & Comparative Philosophy, Buddhist Psychology and Counseling, Buddhist Counseling, Buddhist Social Work and Information Technology.

Currently, around 25 permanent academic staff members serve in the faculty. Each year, approximately 1,500 students pursue their studies through internal, external, and postgraduate degree programs affiliated with the faculty.

History

The Faculty of Buddhist Studies (FBS) was established in 1997. Since then, nine academics have served as Dean. They are Prof. Oliver Abeynayake (1997-2001), Most Ven. Senior Prof. Iththademaliye Indasara Thero (2001-2003), Most Ven. Senior Prof. Gallelle Sumanasiri Thero (2003-2006), Most Ven. Senior Prof. Ekiriyagala Nanda Thero (2006-2009), Most Ven. Prof. Wawwe Dhammarakkitha Thero (2009-2018), Professor Samantha Ilangakoon (2018-2021), Ven. Senior Lecturer Ilukewela Dhammarathana Thero (2021-2024), Chair Prof. Ven. Homagama Dhammananda Thero (2024-2025) and Ven. Senior Lecturer Baragama Saddhananda Thero (2025- Present).

Vision and Mission

Vision

A Buddhist society enriched with independent and righteous people adorned with the flower of wisdom.

Mission

To create scholars who are enthusiastic in a thorough study of Buddhist Philosophy, able to overcome the challenges by solving out spiritual as well as social issues, capable of dedicating themselves to create righteous society through judicious and fair approaches by pragmatically explaining the contemporary social issues in looking at them in a Buddhist perspective.

List of Departments

Department of Buddhist Philosophy

Department of Buddhist Culture

Department of Religious Studies & Comparative Philosophy

Department of Archaeology

Faculty Staff

Academic

Ven. Senior Lecturer Baragama Saddhananda Thero Dean - Faculty of Buddhist Studies

B.A Degree (Special) in Archaeology, Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka.
M.Sc. in Archaeology, Post Graduate Institute of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya
Ph.D. (Reading), Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka.

☏ Personal Telephone : +94718372206
✉ Email Address : saddananda@alpha.bpu.ac.lk / deanfbs@alpha.bpu.ac.lk