Department of English Language Teaching (DELT)

Introduction to the Department

Serving as a leading academic gateway, dedicated to fostering meaningful engagement with the English language, the Department of English Language Teaching (DELT) of the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka is committed to nurturing reflective learners, confident communicators, and future educators equipped to meet the evolving demands of today’s globalized world. Driven by the goal of empowering students with the linguistic, academic, and inter-cultural skills, the department plays a pivotal role in the university’s broader mission of promoting Buddhist doctrine on an international scale. Through a wide range of internal and external study programmes, the department cultivates intellectual growth, enhances communication abilities, and equips learners, particularly those in monastic and academic settings, with the tools needed to thrive in diverse linguistic environments.

Message from the Head of the Department

It is with great pride and a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you to the Department of English Language Teaching (DELT) of the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka.

Since its inception as a fully-fledged department in 2018, DELT has remained steadfast in its mission to empower undergraduates with the linguistic proficiency, academic competence, and intercultural awareness required to thrive in today’s global landscape. Guided by the noble vision of our university, our department plays a vital role in supporting the dissemination of the Dhamma across borders, by nurturing confident English language users who are also spiritually grounded and academically enriched.

Our commitment is twofold: to guide aspiring Dhamma preachers and scholars in mastering the English language, and to produce pedagogically sound teachers capable of serving effectively in monastic institutions, Pirivenas, and schools across the world. Through a carefully designed blend of internal and external programmes, including the Compulsory English course, Certificate and Advanced Certificate Courses in English, and the English Language Teaching Course (ELTC), we strive to cultivate articulate communicators, critical thinkers, and compassionate educators to the field of English as a Second Language.

The department also takes pride in organizing a variety of annual events which complement our academic initiatives with vibrant platforms for experiential learning and creative expression. I extend my sincere gratitude to our dedicated academic and non-academic staff, whose tireless efforts uphold the values and standards of DELT, and to our students, whose enthusiasm and commitment continue to inspire us every day. Together, we walk the path of linguistic and spiritual excellence. May this department continue to shine as a beacon of knowledge and service, fostering generations of English-speaking scholars and educators grounded in Buddhist values.

Vision and Mission

Vision

“To produce knowledgeable, competent, and globally aware graduates who possess a strong command of the English language.”

Mission

“To empower undergraduates with the linguistic proficiency, confidence, and academic competence necessary to use English fluently in diverse global contexts; primarily to guide and prepare future Dhamma preachers and scholars to disseminate the Buddhist discourse teachings across the world, and secondarily, to produce pedagogically-sound teachers of English as a second language who are capable of serving in Pirivenas, schools, and other monastic education institutions.”

Department History

The Department of English Language Teaching (DELT) of the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka marks a significant journey in the university’s academic development. Initially, English language instruction at the university was conducted by only two English language instructors attached to the faculty. Recognizing the growing importance of English language education in both academic and monastic contexts, the university took steps to institutionalize English teaching by establishing a separate unit dedicated to undergraduates in enhancing their English language proficiency. Consequently, the English Language Teaching Unit (ELTU) was established under the headship of Mr. R.K.A.N. Rathnasiri. This marked the formalization of English language instruction as a separate unit within the university’s academic framework. A remarkable milestone was achieved when the ELTU was officially upgraded to departmental status upon the recommendations made at the 236th Senate meeting held on 14th August 2018, following the formal request submitted and its subsequent approval communicated through the letter dated 31st July 2018. Accordingly, the Department of English Language Teaching, widely recognized as DELT, was formally declared and started functioning as a fully-fledged academic department from the 01^st September 2018 onwards, with its permanent academic staff; Dr. Swarnananda Gamage and Dr. Kosala Kumarage, under the founding headship of Mr. M.H.P.K. Gunasena. The Department of English Language Teaching currently functions under the patronage of the Faculty of Language Studies of the university and is located in a separate space at the Centre for Language Skills Development. The establishment of the DELT marked a new chapter in the history of the university, enhancing the academic profile of the institution while supporting its ultimate and noble mission of equipping students, particularly future Dhamma preachers and scholars, with the linguistic competence required to disseminate the teachings of the Buddha both locally and internationally.

Another significant moment for the department was the introduction of the English Language Teaching Course (ELTC) into the internal course curriculum from 2022 onwards, under the patronage of the former Dean of the Faculty of Language Studies, Senior Lecturer, Dr. Swarnananda Gamage, as part of the DELT’s broader vision to contribute qualified English language educators to the field within the university system. Offered as an elective for undergraduates pursuing their degree in the English medium, the ELTC provides both theoretical grounding and practical training, empowering future English as a Second Language teachers to serve effectively in schools, Pirivenas, and other monastic education settings.

With these progressive initiatives, the Department of English Language Teaching continues to thrive as a dynamic academic body, committed to shaping competent English language educators and communicators for the future.

List of Program

Students Association

Office bearers of the English Literary Association – 2024

The following office bearers were elected at the inaugural function of the English Literary Association held on the 16^th August 2024 at the main auditorium.

President : Rev. Thibbatuwewe Pugngnarathana (3^rd Year)

Vice President : Rev. Badulle Suvineetha (2^nd Year)

Secretary : Mr. H. Ahesh Peshala (3^rd Year)

Assistant Secretary : Mr. H. M. Dhanushka Udayanga (2^nd Year)

Treasurer : Rev. Ambewela Janarama (3^rd Year)

Senior Treasurer : Dr. Kosala Kumarage (Senior Lecturer)

Committee Members

3^rd Year : Rev. T. Samitharathana

Rev. Hakmana Sirisudhamma

2^nd Year : Rev. Sugatharathana

Mr. Roshan Sanjeewa

1^st Year : Rev. Udugama Devananda