Ven. Karagaswewe Wajira
Lecturer (Unconfirmed)
Department of Applied Buddhist Studies
Faculty of Buddhist Studies · Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka
Biography
Ven. Karagaswewe Wajira is a Lecturer in the Department of Applied Buddhist Studies, Faculty of Buddhist Studies, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka. His principal academic interests include Pāli language and literature, Buddhist discourse analysis, meditation and mindfulness, spiritual counselling and interfaith dialogue. He completed a Bachelor of Arts in Pāli Studies in English medium with Second-Class Upper Division Honours at the University of Peradeniya and subsequently earned a Master of Philosophy degree in English medium from the same university. His postgraduate research examined Buddhist discourse analysis within the framework of the Milindapañha.
Before joining the Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka, Ven. Wajira served as a Temporary Lecturer and Visiting Lecturer in the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies at the University of Peradeniya and also taught at the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, the Sri Lanka International Buddhist Academy and the Institute of Health, Humanities and Technology Development. His academic activities extend beyond Sri Lanka, including teaching and Dhamma-related programmes in countries such as Estonia and Malaysia. His research has addressed Pāli linguistics and grammar, Buddhist discourse, conflict resolution, humanitarian law, religious tolerance, Buddhist ethics, meditation, natural-resource conservation, poverty and mental stress, hospitality, and Buddhist communication. He has also contributed to academic publishing through edited conference proceedings and journals, including the International Pali Conference.
Educational Qualifications
Master of Philosophy (English Medium), University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2021
Bachelor of Arts in Pāli Studies (English Medium), Second-Class Upper Division Honours, University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, 2013
Academic Positions
Lecturer (Unconfirmed), Department of Applied Buddhist Studies, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka (April 2026 - Present)
Lecturer, Institute of Health, Humanities & Technology Development, Kandy (January 2023 - January 2024)
Lecturer, Institute of Health, Humanities & Technology Development, Kandy (June 2018 - March 2022)
Temporary Lecturer, Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, University of Peradeniya (April 2013 - August 2015)
Visiting Lecturer, Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, University of Peradeniya (August 2015 - July 2016)
Visiting Lecturer, Sri Lanka International Buddhist Academy, Pallekele (April 2015 - February 2016)
Visiting Lecturer, Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, Homagama (2015 - 2016)
Publications & Research
Edited Books / Volumes5
- Wajira, K. (Ed.). (2019). Vidumina Academic Journal: A Collection of Articles on Pirivena Education in Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of Marathugoda Vidumina Vidyayatana Pirivena, Kandy.
- Wajira, K. (Ed.). (2016). Dharmadūta: Felicitation Volume in Honour of Ven. Dr. Ratmale Punnaratana Nayaka Thera. Yakkala: Karuna Samadhi Organization.
- Wajira, K. (Ed.). (2015). Conference Book, 1st International Pali Conference (IPC 2015), Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, University of Peradeniya.
- Wajira, K. (Ed.). (2014). Peradeniya University Pali Day Conference Proceedings. University of Peradeniya.
- Wajira, K. (Ed.). (2014). Patibhāna, Vol. 4, Journal of the Buddhist Association, University of Peradeniya.
Articles in Academic Journals (Selected)2
- Wajira, K. (2017). A Brief Study on the Axioms Used in the Dīghanikāyaṭīkā. Studies of Tīkā. Colombo: S. Godage and Brothers.
- Wajira, K. (2015). Practical Ways for Feeling Management. Patibhāna, University of Peradeniya Buddhist Association.
Conference Papers (National)6
- Wajira, K. (2015). Determinations of Meaning: A Semantic Approach of Traditional Pali Grammar Based on the Payogasiddhi. National Conference, Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka.
- Wajira, K. (2015). Methods Followed by Modern Grammarians in Presenting Pāli Grammar. National Conference on Buddhist Studies, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
- Wajira, K. (2014). Different Forms of Address Used by the Buddha. National Conference, Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka.
- Wajira, K. (2014). Buddhist Perspective on International Humanitarian Law. Conference on Buddhist Jurisprudence, Lakshman Kadirgamar Institute for International Relations and Strategic Studies.
- Wajira, K. (2014). How Have the Pali Chronicles Contributed to the Development of Pali Language and Literature? Annual Conference on Buddhist Studies, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
- Wajira, K. (2013). Conflict Resolution with Reference to the Ummagga Jātaka. Annual Conference on Buddhist Studies, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
Conference Papers (International)10
- Wajira, K. (2015). Pālibhāsājjhayanavisaye Sampadāyānugata-Pāliveyyākaraṇassa ca Bhāsāvisayakajjhayanassa ca Seṭṭhatā. 1st International Pali Conference, University of Peradeniya.
- Wajira, K. (2015). Live and Let Others Live: Buddhist Aspects in Regard to International Humanitarian Law for the Resolution of War and Conflict. 12th International Conference on the United Nations Day of Vesak, Thailand.
- Wajira, K. (2015). This Alone is True, All Else is False: How Dogmatic Religious Views Impact Tolerance and Harmony. International Conference on Religious Tolerance and Harmony, Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka.
- Wajira, K. (2014). Hospitality in Buddhism and Its Importance for the Modern World. International Conference on Business and Information, University of Kelaniya.
- Wajira, K. (2014). Relevance of Translating Techniques Used by Buddhaghosa in Pali Commentaries to Modern Methods of Translation. International Research Symposium, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka.
- Wajira, K. (2014). The Importance of Pali Language and Buddhist Culture in Understanding Buddhist Teachings. International Conference on Multidisciplinary Approaches, University of Sri Jayewardenepura.
- Wajira, K. (2014). Mental and Physical Health through Buddhist Meditation. International Conference on Youth, Gender and HIV, Amity University, India.
- Wajira, K. (2014). System of Human Resource Management in the Community of Buddhist Saṅgha as Specified in the Vinaya Piṭaka. International Conference, Wayamba University of Sri Lanka.
- Wajira, K. (2014). Use and Conservation of Natural Resources from the Perspective of Buddhist Ethics. International Agricultural Research Symposium, Sri Lanka.
- Wajira, K. (2014). Poverty and Mental Stress from the Buddhist Point of View. International Conference on Poverty and Sustainable Development, Sri Lanka.
Felicitation Volume Contributions4
- Wajira, K. (2016). How the Buddha Dealt with Other Religious Parties in Disseminating His Teachings? In Dharmadūta: Felicitation Volume in Honour of Ven. Dr. Ratmale Punnaratana Nayaka Thera.
- Wajira, K. (2016). Vinayatthamañjusā Nāma Kaṅkhāvitaraṇīṭīkā. In Felicitation Volume in Honour of Ven. Prof. Kotapitiye Rahula.
- Wajira, K. (2014). The Influence of Fourfold Buddhist Traditions for the Development of Buddhist Philosophy. In Pali & Buddhist Studies, Felicitation Volume in Honour of Most Venerable Palipāna Sri Chandananda Mahānāyaka Thera.
- Wajira, K. (2014). The Role of Communication in Buddhist Teaching Methods. In Studies in Buddhist Philosophy of Education.
Thesis / Dissertation2
- Wajira, K. (2021). Style and Persuasion: A Buddhist Discourse Analysis within the Framework of the Milindapañha. M.Phil. Thesis, University of Peradeniya.
- Wajira, K. (2013). A Critical Introduction to the Vidarśanā Pota: A Manual on Insight Meditation Practiced by the Monks of the Asgiri Vihāra Fraternity. B.A. Dissertation, University of Peradeniya.
Awards & Distinctions
HELP CEO’s Achievers Award (2024) for postgraduate study in Counselling, HELP University, Malaysia
Gate Mudliyar A. G. Thilakaratne Research Fellowship, University of Peradeniya (2016)
Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship, Sri Lanka (2008)
Scholarship for Island First Place in Pali and Sanskrit at the Final Examination of Pirivena Education, Sri Dalada Maligawa, Kandy (2004)
Fields of Interest
Memberships
Secretary and Member, Sri Lanka-China Buddhist Cultural Exchange Association, Kandy
Director Board Member, World Heart Foundation MTU, Estonia
Life Member, Alumni Association of the University of Peradeniya
Life Member, Society for the Integration of Science and Human Values, University of Peradeniya
Life Member, Sri Lankan Tibetan Buddhist Brotherhood Society