A scholarly legacy connected to the University’s evolution.
The Library’s story follows the development of monastic higher education in Anuradhapura and the growth of the Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka.
From Dharmapeetha to BUSL.
The milestones below provide a concise view of the institutional context in which the Library developed.
About the LibraryBuddhasravaka Dharmapeetha established
The earlier residential higher-education institution for Buddhist monks was established under Act No. 16 of 1968 in the historic setting of Anuradhapura.
Re-establishment as a university
Parliament Act No. 26 of 1996 transformed the institution into the Buddhasravaka Bhiksu University. Formal operations began in 1997 and the first student cohort enrolled in 1998.
Modern library development
Books from the former Dharmapeetha library came under the University, and the Library began developing in line with modern university-library practices.
Academic and institutional expansion
As faculties, departments and academic structures developed, library collections and services increasingly supported teaching and scholarship in Buddhist studies, Pāli and related disciplines.
Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka
Act No. 15 of 2012 amended the University’s structure and name to the Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka, continuing its national role in Buddhist higher education.
Print heritage and digital scholarship
The Library supports discovery through the OPAC, e-repository access, specialist collections and user-focused academic services, linking preserved knowledge with contemporary research practice.
Discover the Library’s collections.
Explore reference, lending, Sri Lankan, Tripitaka, palm-leaf and digital manuscript resources.