Sri Lanka (Commonwealth Union)_ On 25 August 2024, a significant milestone was achieved as 103 Singaporeans were awarded their Master’s degrees, Bachelor’s degrees, and diplomas in Buddhist Studies from the Buddhist and Pali College Singapore. This institution is affiliated with the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, a prestigious academic body dedicated to the advancement of Buddhist scholarship. Accordingly, the graduation ceremony took place at Mangala Vihara in Singapore and was graced by the presence of distinguished guests.
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The High Commissioner of Sri Lanka to Singapore, Senarath Dissanayake, took part in the event as a special guest, underscoring the importance of this educational achievement. Accordingly, degrees and diplomas were presented by the Vice-Chancellor of the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, Ven. Prof. Neluwe Sumanawansa Thero. The ceremony was further honored by the presence of the Senior Assistant Registrar of the University, Malka Hewavitharana.
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The ceremony was addressed by several key figures, including Ven. Prof. Neluwe Sumanawansa Thero, who is also the Principal of the Buddhist and Pali College Singapore, and the Chief Incumbent of the Mangala Vihara, Ven. Pupule Seelananda Thero. Additional speeches were delivered by the High Commissioner Senarath Dissanayake; Dr. Lim Ah Swan, Chairman of the Mangala Vihara Management Committee; Kovida Jebsons Chia, Chairman of the Old Pupils Association of Buddhist and Pali College; and Lim Aileng on behalf of the graduates and diplomats. During the ceremony, tokens of appreciation were also awarded to the teaching and administrative staff of the Buddhist and Pali College, acknowledging their dedicated service.
Furthermore, the High Commission of Sri Lanka in Singapore plays a pivotal role in facilitating the administration of examinations for the Buddhist and Pali College Singapore in collaboration with the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka. For thirty years, the college has been providing diplomas, undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in Buddhism and Buddhist Studies, contributing to the academic and spiritual development of thousands of students. Additionally, the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, headquartered in Homagama, Sri Lanka, extends its influence globally through 12 affiliated institutions dedicated to spreading the teachings of Buddhism.
Founded in 1981, the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka is governed by the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka Act No. 74 of 1981, as amended by Act No. 37 of 1995. The university’s primary objectives include the propagation of Buddhism, the advancement of Pali and Buddhist Studies, and the provision of research facilities in these fields. The university, inaugurated in 1982, has since undergone restructuring to align with the standards of other Sri Lankan universities. Today, it serves nearly 3,000 students, with additional participants engaging in external degree programs. This graduation ceremony not only highlights the academic achievements of the Singaporean students but also reaffirms the ongoing collaboration between Singapore and Sri Lanka in promoting Buddhist education and fostering international academic exchange.
