It is with a deep sense of purpose and devotion that I offer this message as the Head of the Department of Buddhist Philosophy, Faculty of Buddhist Studies, at the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka.

The Department of Buddhist Philosophy holds a unique and honoured position in our university and in the wider academic world. As a center for the study, interpretation, and application of Buddhist thought, we are entrusted with a sacred responsibility to preserve the profound philosophical heritage of the Buddha, and to render it meaningful and accessible in the contemporary world. Our Department was founded on the vision of nurturing a generation of Buddhist scholars and practitioners who are intellectually grounded, spiritually enriched, and socially engaged. This vision was first embodied by our esteemed founding Head of Department, Professor Oliver Abeynayake, a scholar of international repute, whose leadership laid a firm foundation of academic excellence and innovation that continues to inspire our work today.

We offer a comprehensive academic structure that includes Bachelor of Arts (General and Honours) degrees, postgraduate programs (MA, MPhil, PhD), and certificate and diploma courses, all designed to provide both depth and breadth in Buddhist philosophical studies. With instruction in both Sinhala and English, our programs serve a diverse student body – monastics and laypeople, local and international learners – making Buddhist Philosophy accessible across boundaries of language, culture, and tradition. Our teaching is enriched through robust engagement with Western and Indian philosophical systems, comparative religion, and modern psychology, enabling our students to appreciate the timeless relevance of Buddhist thought in addressing issues of mental health, ethics, education, environmental awareness, and global peace.

We strongly believe that education is not merely the acquisition of knowledge but the transformation of the individual. Our students are not only trained in theoretical discourse but also nurtured in meditation, counselling, ethical leadership, and service to the community. Initiatives such as the “Empowering Rural People” outreach program, the Meditation and Counselling Project, and experiential field trips reflect our commitment to socially engaged Buddhism.

In addition, our academic contributions include the BPU Journal of Buddhist Studies (JBS), a peer-reviewed platform for original research, and Mimasisara, a journal produced by the Student Association, which showcases emerging voices in Buddhist scholarship. Through national and international conferences, seminars, and workshops, we continue to shape and contribute to global conversations on Buddhist thought. The present world is experiencing moral uncertainty, emotional unrest, and ecological imbalance. It is in this context that the Department of Buddhist Philosophy seeks to make a meaningful contribution. By integrating ancient wisdom with contemporary relevance, we aim to develop scholars, teachers, and visionaries who can apply the Dhamma for the betterment of society and for the spiritual progress of humanity.

I warmly invite all who are interested in the philosophical dimensions of Buddhism – students, researchers, and practitioners to join us in this noble endeavour. May our collective journey through the study and practice of Buddhist Philosophy lead to inner transformation and the realization of universal peace.