A centre for Theravada Buddhist scholarship.
Textual learning, philosophical inquiry, Pāli language and Buddhist civilization within the monastic higher-education mission of Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka.
Rooted in the Canon. Engaged with the world.
The Department of Buddhist and Pali Studies is one of the academic departments of the Faculty of Buddhist Studies. Its work supports the University’s distinctive mission of Buddhist monastic higher education through rigorous study grounded in the Theravada Pāli Canon.
The Department provides undergraduate study in four principal academic areas: Tripitaka Studies, Buddhist Philosophy, Pāli Language and Buddhist Civilization. General and honours pathways are offered in major disciplines, while the specialised Tripitaka Studies programme provides sustained engagement with the Sutta, Vinaya and Abhidhamma traditions and their commentarial literature.
Buddhist Philosophy also forms an important foundation within undergraduate education, connecting canonical thought, ethics and critical inquiry. Across its academic work, the Department aims to unite textual precision, intellectual discipline, research competence and responsible communication of the Dhamma.
What shapes our work.
Canonical Scholarship
Close study of Tipiṭaka, commentaries and sub-commentaries within Theravada textual traditions.
Pāli Language
Grammar, translation and linguistic competence for accurate interpretation of Buddhist literature.
Philosophical Inquiry
Critical study of Buddhist doctrine, logic, epistemology, ethics, psychology and comparative thought.
Civilization & Heritage
Historical, social, artistic and institutional dimensions of Buddhist cultures across Asia.
Research & Interpretation
Independent inquiry, source criticism, research methodology and academic communication.
Global Buddhist Engagement
Digital resources, international scholarship and communication across Buddhist research communities.