InRO News
International Workshop on the Future of Pali Studies
| 26th August 2025
On 26th August 2025, the International Workshop on the Future of Pali Studies was held at the Senate Room of the University of Peradeniya as part of the International Week 2025. The event was jointly organized by the Assistant High Commission of India in Kandy, the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, and the International Relations Office (InRO). The one-day workshop created a platform for discussion on the Pali language and its diverse usages in Theravāda Buddhist countries.
Keynote addresses were delivered by Ven. Aggamaha Panditha Prof. Muwaetugama Gnanananda Thero of the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, University of Peradeniya; Dr. Arun Kumar Tadeu, Head of the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, Banaras Hindu University; Prof. Ujjwal Kumar of the Department of Buddhist Studies, University of Calcutta; and Ven. Miriswatte Wimalagnana of the Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies, University of Kelaniya. Dr. Shailendra Kumar of Banaras Hindu University also attended as a resource person.
The inauguration was graced by the Most Venerable Deputy Patriarch (Anunayake Thero) of the Malwatte Chapter of the Siam Sect, Ven. Niyangoda Sri Vijithasiri Thero; H.E. Ms. Saranya V.S., Assistant High Commissioner of India; Prof. Ranjith Pallegama, Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya; Prof. Abey Ratnayake, Conference Chair; and Prof. Sanjeewa Malaviarachchi, Director of the International Relations Office.
The workshop was attended by more than 100 participants representing several universities in Sri Lanka. It served as a significant opportunity to deliberate on the future of Pali studies, fostering academic dialogue and collaboration among scholars.
