Unit of Postgraduate, External Degrees and Extension Courses (UPEDEC)
,The Unit of Postgraduate, External Degrees and Extension Courses was established in 2016, and it is currently located at the ground floor of the Faculty of Languages and Cultural studies, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka. The Unit was headed by Five directors from 2016 to 2025 as given bellow, and currently, the unit is chaired by Chair Dr. Ven. Kadihingala Hemasiri Thero.
Former Directors of the Unit
- Senior Prof. Ven. Pathegama Gnanissara Thero (From 16.01.2016 to 07.01.2017)
- Dr. Rev. Diulapalasse Wimalananda Thero (From 08.02.2017 to 14.03.2018)
- Prof. Ven. Waradiwela Wijayasumana Thero (From 15.03.2018 to 24.01.2019)
- Dr. Ven. Kallanchiye Rathanasiri Thero (From 26.08.2019 to 25.11.2022)
- Senior Prof. (Chair) Ven. Kanangamuwe Rahula Thero (From 28.11.2022 to 07.04.2025)
Postgraduate programs including Master of Arts (By Research), Master of Philosophy and Doctor of Philosophy, a Bachelor of Arts (External) Degree Program, several Diploma programs and Extension courses are conducted by the UPEDEC. Only Buddhist monks are allowed to follow the postgraduate programs while allther programs are available for both Buddhist monks and lay students.
Postgraduate programs are conducted under the following subject areas.
Postgraduate Programs | Duration | Subject Area |
Master of Arts (By Research) – MA | 02 Years | Buddhist Studies, Sinhala, Pali, Sanskrit Archeology, History, Sociology, Education Science and Philosophy |
Master of Philosophy – MPhil | 02 Years | |
Doctor of Philosophy – PhD | 03 Years |
Following Diplomas and Extension Courses are also conducted by the UPEDEC.
Diploma Courses |
Diploma in Buddhist Studies |
Diploma in English |
Diploma in Tamil |
Diploma in Astrology |
Certificate Courses |
Advanced Certificate Course in English |
Advanced Certificate Course in Astrology |
Advanced Certificate Course in Chinese |
Certificate Course in Tamil |
Certificate Course in Japanese |
Certificate Course in Information and Communication Technology |
Course Coordinators
Postgraduate Degree Programs | Senior Lecturer Ven. Kumbugodaare Pagngnaloka Thero |
Bachelor of Arts (General) Degree Program | Dr. Ven. Panamure Chandima Thero |
Diploma in Buddhist Studies | Senior Lecturer Ven. Karapikkada Sobhitha Thero |
Diploma in Tamil | Ven. Halpitiye Samithasiri Thero (Instructor in Tamil Language) |
Certificate Course in Tamil | |
Diploma in English | Mr. R.D.K. Rajapaksha (Instructor in English Language) |
Advanced Certificate Course in English | |
Diploma in Astrology | Senior Lecturer Ven. Mahakachchakodiye Pagngnasekara Thero |
Advanced Certificate Course in Astrology | |
Certificate Course in Information and Communication Technology | Mr. Nadeeshan Udagama (Instructor in Computer) |
Non - Academic Staff
| Mr. Jayathilake | Deputy Registrar | T.P. : 025-2057978 Intercom : 442 |
Mr. K.H.J.N. Hewawasam | Staff Management Assistant | Intercom : 444 |
Mr. H.K.M.K. Madhawa Kumarasinghe | Management Assistant | Intercom : 443 |
Miss. M.H.A.N.S. Hettiarachchi | Management Assistant | Intercom : 444 |
Mr. T.G.N. Darshana Wijerathna | Works Aide | Intercom : 443/444 |