Department of English

Introduction Department of English

The Department of English at the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka teaches English language and literature to internal and external students, supporting the mission of the university to spread the Dhamma in English. It offers BA, BA (Honours), MA, MPhil, and PhD degree programmes.

Message from the Head of the Department

It is with great pleasure that I extend my warmest greetings to all students, colleagues, and well-wishers of the Department of English at the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka.

Since its establishment in 2008, the Department has been committed to empowering students with strong English language and literary skills, with the ultimate aim of supporting the university’s noble mission to disseminate the teachings of the Buddha to the world. We offer a range of academic programmes including Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degrees in English, as well as postgraduate degrees up to the PhD level.

Beyond the classroom, the Department is proud to lead several meaningful extracurricular initiatives. Our Preaching the Dhamma in English Programme trains undergraduate monks to communicate the Dhamma effectively in English. The English Immersion Camp provides students with an intensive and interactive English-speaking environment that enhances fluency and confidence. We also host Guest Lecture Series to expose students to diverse scholarly perspectives, and we conduct Pirivena English Teaching Seminars to support English educators in traditional monastic education settings.

As a Department, we strive to create a space where academic excellence, spiritual development, and global engagement meet. I invite all students to actively take part in both academic and co-curricular activities and to make the most of the opportunities available. Together, let us continue to build a learning community that upholds the values of wisdom, compassion, and service.

Vision and Mission

Vision

“To produce English scholars and missionaries inspired by the Dhamma with a strong social conscience, and to be the foremost department among the Departments of English in other Buddhist universities in the world.“

Mission

“To contribute to the dissemination of Buddhism throughout the world by developing knowledge, skills, and attitudes in Bhikkhu/Bhikkhuni and lay students, enabling them to use the English language confidently, accurately and fluently.“

Department History

The Department of English at the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka was established in 2008 with the aim of providing greater opportunities for students to study English language and literature. The first Head (Acting) of the Department was Ven. Prof. Uthurawala Dhammarathana Thero, followed by Ven. Prof. Neluwe Sumanawansa Thero (Acting), Dr. Waruni Tennakoon, and Dr. Nipunika Dilani in succession. Initially offering English as a main subject for the General Bachelor of Arts degree, the Department later expanded its academic scope to include the Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in English programme.

List of Program

Students Association

The English Literary Association (ELA) is a student organization comprising students enrolled in various courses offered by the Department of English. Its primary activity is the annual publication of Aurora: Journal of English Studies, which features academic articles written by students from the internal and external BA programs, MA programs, and online courses. In addition to supporting all department-led events, the ELA also conducts speech improvement sessions throughout the academic year to enhance students’ English communication skills.