Message from Dean

Ven. Prof. Gonadeniye Pannarathana Thero

Dean (Acting) - Faculty of Language Studies

The Faculty of Language Studies plays a central role in the academic and spiritual mission of the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka. As a leading faculty within the university, it is dedicated to advancing the study of languages that are essential for the understanding and dissemination of the Buddha’s Dhamma, both within Sri Lanka and internationally.

The faculty consists of six departments; Pali, Sinhala, Sanskrit, English, Language Skills Development, and English Language Teaching each offering a range of academic programmes including internal and external undergraduate degrees, postgraduate studies, diplomas, and certificate courses. These programmes aim to produce graduates who are both academically competent and linguistically skilled, capable of contributing meaningfully to Dhamma propagation and intercultural dialogue.

In recent years, the faculty has produced a significant number of scholars who are currently engaged in preaching the Dhamma across various countries using languages acquired through their studies. In support of language acquisition and global engagement, students have successfully obtained scholarships to study in countries such as India, China, and South Korea. The faculty also offers internal scholarships to encourage and reward excellence in language studies.

Through a combination of rigorous academic training and cultural activities, the Faculty of Language Studies continues to foster an environment where students gain not only language proficiency but also the broader cultural awareness necessary for global Dhamma outreach. The faculty remains committed to its vision of nurturing multilingual scholars who are equipped to serve as ambassadors of the Buddha’s teachings around the world.

Introduction to the faculty

Established in 1997, The Faculty of Language Studies at the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka has consistently shone as a symbol of language and cultural excellence for over two decades. The faculty comprises six academic departments, each offering a diverse range of degree programmes catering to undergraduate, external, and postgraduate students.

The Faculty of Language Studies takes pride in its history of academic and cultural contributions. Some of our notable events include the ICLSU international conference in 2018 and The International Webinar on “Multilingualism and Buddhist Perspective.” Our commitment to holistic education extends beyond the classroom, as we organize engaging entertainment programmes, literary critiques, musical evenings, and more.

We believe in nurturing well-rounded individuals. To this end, we organize field trips and workshops to enrich students’ extracurricular experiences, and we offer programmes to enhance the Dhamma preaching skills in various languages, committing to the vision of the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka. We are dedicated to engaging in volunteer social work programmes that instill a humanistic approach to education, nurturing socially responsible students.

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 Language Studies Dean’s Name List from 1997 to 2025.

Name of the dean

From

to

Prof. E.A. Wickramasinghe

1997.08.07

2000.08.06

Senior Prof. Ven. Wegama Piyarathana Thero

2000.08.07

2003.08.06

Senior Prof. Ven. Wegama Piyarathana Thero

2003.08.07

2005.08.06

Prof. Ven. Neluwe Sumanawansa Thero

2005.09.27

2008.09.26

Senior Prof. Uthurawala Dhammarathana Thero

2008.09.26

2011.09.25

Senior Prof. Uthurawala Dhammarathana Thero

2011.09.26

2014.09.25

 Prof. E.A. Wickramasinghe

2016.05.31

2019.05.30

 Prof. Ven. Lenagala Siriniwasa Thero

2019.05.31

2022.12.21

 Dr. K.G. Swarnananda Gamage

2022.12.22

2024.11.21

 Dr. Ven. Kotiyagala Uparathana Thero (Duty Cover)

2024.11.22

2025.02.09

 Prof. Ven. Gonadeniye Pannarathana Thero (Acting)

2025.02.10

Present

Vision and Mission

Vision

To produce missionaries and scholars who possess the skills to disseminate Buddhism around the world using different languages

Mission

To inherit disciplined missionaries and scholars with the knowledge of oriental and other languages who are capable of communicating Buddhism across countries. 

Faculty Staff

Academic

Ven. Prof. Gonadeniye Pannarathana Thero​
Ven. Prof. Gonadeniye Pannarathana Thero​ Dean (Acting) - Faculty of Language Studies
Professor Department of Pali
Official Telephone : +9411 2891868
Personal Telephone :
+94 714008531, +13238477234
Email Address : gonadeniyep@alpha.bpu.ac.lk/ gonadeniyep@gmail.com

Non - Academic

Mr. K.S.G. Kothalawala
Mr. K.S.G. Kothalawala Management Assistant (Grade II)
☏ 2265
Mr. W.S. Fernando
Mr. W.S. Fernando Works Aids (Grade II)
Mrs. A.B. Maleena Lasanthika
Mrs. A.B. Maleena Lasanthika Works Aids (Grade II)
Mr. T.V. Munasinghe Works Aids (Grade III)

Faculty Notice​s

2

Faculty Events

Faculty Reunion Gallery

Contact Details

Official Telephone :  +9411 2857782   Ext : 2231

Fax :  +9411 2857782

Email Address :  fbs@alpha.bpu.ac.lk (Office)