Academic Staff/Department of Languages/Ven. Mediyawe Piyarathana
Profile portrait of Ven. Mediyawe Piyarathana
Senior Lecturer

Ven. Mediyawe Piyarathana

Senior Lecturer in English (Grade I)

Department of Languages

Faculty of Languages and Cultural Studies · Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka

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5Qualifications
11Academic Positions
47Scholarly Items
11Research Areas
01
About

Biography

Ven. Mediyawe Piyarathana is a Senior Lecturer in English (Grade I) in the Department of Languages, Faculty of Languages and Cultural Studies, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka. He has served the University in a range of academic capacities since 2008 and has contributed extensively to English language teaching, curriculum development, research, academic administration, quality assurance, examination work and professional development programmes for undergraduate Buddhist monks. He served as Head of the Department of Languages from 2017 to 2020 and has also held responsibilities as a Senate member, external English course coordinator, conference secretary, newsletter technical committee chairman, webmaster and chief organiser of academic events.

His academic specialization is in TESOL, linguistics and applied linguistics, with particular attention to pronunciation, intelligibility, Sri Lankan English, communicative language teaching, communication strategies, language games and role-play. He holds postgraduate qualifications in Linguistics and TESOL and is currently reading for a PhD in Linguistics at the University of Kelaniya. His doctoral research investigates ways of improving spoken Sri Lankan English intelligibility through role-play, with particular reference to undergraduate Buddhist monks in a Sri Lankan university context. His research and publications also connect English language education with Buddhist philosophy of education, teacher responsibilities in Theravāda Buddhism, Buddhist ethics, environmental conservation and world peace. He has presented research in Sri Lanka and internationally and has served as a reviewer, editor, editor-in-chief, moderator and session chair for academic journals, conference publications and scholarly events.

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Academic Background

Educational Qualifications

PhD in Linguistics, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka (Reading). Research focus: Improving Spoken Sri Lankan English Intelligibility through Role-Plays with Reference to Undergraduate Buddhist Monks

Master of Research in TESOL, United Kingdom, 2024

Master of Philosophy in Linguistics (English Medium), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2017

Master of Arts in Linguistics (English Medium), University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2011

Bachelor of Arts, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Sri Lanka, 2004

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Appointments

Academic Positions

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Senior Lecturer in English (Grade I), Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka (2024–Present)

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Senior Lecturer in English (Grade II), Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka (2018–2024)

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Lecturer in English, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka (2017–2018)

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Probationary Lecturer in English, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka (2013–2017)

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Instructor in English, Buddhasravaka Bhiksu University (2008–2013)

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Visiting Lecturer in English, Diploma in English, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka (2023–2026)

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Visiting Lecturer in English, Orientation Programmes, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka (2015–2019)

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Visiting Instructor in English, BUSL/BBU English Extension and Certificate Programmes (2009–2020)

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Visiting Lecturer in English and Business Communication, Jayasekara Management Centre, Kurunegala (2006–2008)

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Teacher in Sanskrit, Somananda Pirivena, Kurunegala (2005–2007)

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Teacher in Sinhala and Religion, Ceylinco Sussex College, Kurunegala (2005–2006)

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Leadership & Service

Administrative Positions

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Chairman, Lecturers’ Association, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka (2020–2021)

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Head, Department of Languages, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka (2017–2020)

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Chairman, Board of the Department of Languages, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka (2017–2020)

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Member, Senate, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka (2017–2020)

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Coordinator, External English Courses, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka (2013–2016; 2019–2020)

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Coordinator, Diploma in English sponsored by the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka (2019–2020)

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Chairman, Technical Committee for Publishing the BUSL Newsletter (2019)

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Secretary, Second International Buddhist Conference on Abhidhamma, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka (2018)

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Coordinator, Certificate Course in Chinese, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka (2017–2018)

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Secretary, International Buddhist Conference, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka (2015)

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Webmaster, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka (2014–2016)

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Chief Organiser, National Buddhist Conference, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka (2014)

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Scholarship

Publications & Research

Books2
  1. Piyarathana, M., Gunathilake, L. D., & Perera, G. (2008). AAT Final Level: Business Communication II. Jayasekara Management Centre.
  2. Piyarathana, M. (2008). Buddhism Grade 9. Ceylinco Sussex Educational Services Ltd.
Edited Books / Volumes8
  1. Piyarathana, M. (Ed.). (2020). Felicitation Volume Dedicated to Associate Professor Ven. Karagaswewe Wimalananda Thero.
  2. Piyarathana, M. (Ed.). (2019). Abstract Book, 5th International Buddhist Conference. ISBN 978-955-1867-22-5.
  3. Piyarathana, M. (Ed.). (2018). Abstract Book, 2nd International Buddhist Conference. ISBN 978-955-4039-03-2.
  4. Piyarathana, M. (Ed.). (2018). BUSL Newsletter, Vol. 08. ISSN 2536-846X.
  5. Piyarathana, M. (Ed.). (2018). Sumanalekha: Felicitation Volume for Ven. Prof. Alahenegama Sumanaratana.
  6. Piyarathana, M. (Ed.). (2017). Pravacana – Great Teachings, Inaugural Volume, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka.
  7. Piyarathana, M. (Ed.). (2015). Abstract Book, 4th International Buddhist Conference.
  8. Piyarathana, M. (Ed.). (2014). Abstract Book, International Buddhist Conference on Evolution of Buddhist Stūpa.
Journal Articles (Peer-Reviewed)11
  1. Piyarathana, M. (2025). A Survey of Literature on Role-Play as a Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) Activity in Sri Lanka. Prabhasa, 5(2), 70–81.
  2. Piyarathana, M. (2024). The Use of Role-Play in Teaching Compassion through Buddhist Literature. Prabhasa, 4(1), 26–48.
  3. Piyarathana, M. (2024). The Efficacy of Role-Play in the Development of Productive Knowledge of Lexis in TESOL: A Study Based on a University in Sri Lanka. Pravacana, 15(1), 1–23.
  4. Piyarathana, M. (2020). Teaching English Grammar through Language Games with the Communicative Language Teaching Approach in a Classroom Setting. Pravacana, 11(1), 288–310.
  5. Piyarathana, M. (2019). The Utility of Games for the Communicative Ability of Students. Pravacana, 11(2), 397–408.
  6. Piyarathana, M. (2019). The Teaching Method of the Buddha to Globalize Ethics for Creating a Sustainable Society. United Nations Day of Vesak 2019 International Conference Proceedings, 149–177.
  7. Piyarathana, M. (2017). Share the Vision on Buddhist Philosophy of Education. 4th Asia Pacific Conference on Advanced Research, 3(2), 100–116.
  8. Piyarathana, M. (2017). An Analysis on the Definitions and Responsibilities of Teacher in Theravāda Buddhism for a Consensus in a Globalized World. 4th Humanistic Buddhist Youth Forum, Singapore.
  9. Piyarathana, M. (2016). The Role of Buddha as a Teacher. 3rd Asia Pacific Conference on Advanced Research, 3(1), 157–169.
  10. Piyarathana, M. (2014). The Characteristics of Buddha as a Teacher. Pravacana, 5(2), 369–394.
  11. Piyarathana, M. (2012). An Appreciation of George Bernard Shaw’s Arms and the Man as a Literary Work Paying Attention to the Thematic Interests and Techniques of the Play. Pravacana, 3(2), 226–244.
Conference Papers (Selected)11
  1. Piyarathana, M. (2021). The Therapeutic Way, Legacy of Buddhism, for Saving the Human Mind from Being a Victim of Negativity Bias. International Conference (Online), Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka.
  2. Piyarathana, M. (2021). The Efficacy of Role-Playing Language Games in the Productive Knowledge of Lexis in TESOL: A Study Based on a University in Sri Lanka. International Conference (Online), Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka.
  3. Piyarathana, M., & Dhammadhaja, E. (2018). The Status of Woman in the Vedic Period. 3rd International Conference on Sanskrit and Eastern Studies, University of Kelaniya.
  4. Piyarathana, M. (2017). Buddhist Perspective to Protect the Environment. International Buddhist Conference on Buddhism in the 21st Century, Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, India.
  5. Piyarathana, M. (2017). Share the Vision on Buddhist Philosophy of Education. 4th Asia Pacific Conference on Advanced Research, Melbourne, Australia.
  6. Piyarathana, M. (2016). The Role of Buddha as a Teacher. 3rd Asia Pacific Conference on Advanced Research, Melbourne, Australia.
  7. Piyarathana, M., & Rahula, K. (2015). The Utility of Buddhist Jataka Tales for Institutional Development. 4th International Buddhist Conference, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka.
  8. Piyarathana, M., Sumanarathana, A., & Fernando, H. D. E. (2015). Conserving Environment for the Future Human Civilisation. 4th International Buddhist Conference, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka.
  9. Piyarathana, M. (2015). Buddhist Attitude to World Peace Based on Compassion. 4th International Buddhist Conference, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka.
  10. Piyarathana, M. (2012). Following Buddha’s Path: The Best Possible Answer to the Challenges of Teachers in the New Millennium. International Buddhist Conference, Buddhasravaka Bhiksu University.
  11. Piyarathana, M. (2008). Ecological Concepts and Meritorious Deeds Found in Vanaropa Sutta. International Buddhist Conference of the Sri Lanka Association for Buddhist Studies.
Extended Abstracts / Proceedings6
  1. Piyarathana, M. (2026). Unity through Linguistic Diversity: A Buddhist-Informed Analysis of Pronunciation Belief, Intelligibility, and Native-Speaker Ideologies among Sri Lankan University Undergraduates. Proceedings of the 9th International Buddhist Conference, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka.
  2. Piyarathana, M., & Dhammadhaja, E. (2018). Ethical Aspects of Human Nature as Revealed in Sakkapañha Sutta. International Buddhist Conference on Abhidhamma, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka, 51–55.
  3. Piyarathana, M., & Dhammadhaja, E. (2018). An Introduction to Theravāda Abhidhamma. Proceedings of the 2nd International Buddhist Conference on Abhidhamma, 68–72.
  4. Piyarathana, M., & Dhammadhaja, E. (2017). A Comparative Study on Harmony in the Teachings of Religions with Buddhism. 14th General Conference: Buddhist Leadership for Sustainable Peace, 139–143.
  5. Piyarathana, M., Sumanarathana, A., & Soratha, W. (2014). Worshiping of Stūpa Revealed by Sinhalese Message Poems (Sandesakāvya). International Buddhist Conference, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka, 172–176.
  6. Piyarathana, M. (2014). The Concept of Acariyamutthi and Its Relevance to the Buddha. 2nd National Conference, Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka, 66–69.
Felicitation Volume Contributions7
  1. Piyarathana, M. (2020). Benefits to Be Obtained from Wealth for a Successful Lay Life. In Prabuddha: Essays in Honour of Most Venerable Anamaduwe Sri Dhammadassi Anunāyaka Thera, 466–482.
  2. Piyarathana, M. (2018). An Analysis of the Ecological Concepts and Meritorious Deeds in Vanaropa Sutta. In Sumanalekha: Felicitation Volume for Ven. Prof. Alahenegama Sumanaratana, 417–434.
  3. Piyarathana, M. (2017). The Significance of Environment Conservation. Shastra Locana, 2, 160–177.
  4. Piyarathana, M. (2015). A Brief Description of English Primary Auxiliary Verbs. Shastra Locana, 417–433.
  5. Piyarathana, M. (2014). An Explanation about the Role of the Reciters for the Protection of Pāli Literature. In a Felicitation Journal for Ven. Elagamuwe Rathanajothi, 52–68.
  6. Piyarathana, M. (2011). An Analysis on the Character of Buddha Presented in the Pāli Canon. Anudipana, 48–63.
  7. Piyarathana, M. (2009). Madhupindika Sutta – The Honey Ball. Pravacana Academic Journal, 309–325.
Thesis / Dissertation2
  1. Piyarathana, M. (2017). A Study on the Patterns of English Prepositions. MPhil Dissertation, University of Kelaniya.
  2. Piyarathana, M. (2011). A Study on English Affixes. MA Dissertation, University of Kelaniya.
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Recognition

Awards & Distinctions

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Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship, Mahapola Higher Education Scholarship Trust Fund, 2000

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Expertise

Fields of Interest

TESOL→Applied Linguistics→Linguistics→English Language Teaching→Pronunciation and Intelligibility→Sri Lankan English→Communicative Language Teaching→Communication Strategies→Language Games→Role-Play in Language Teaching→English Education in Buddhist Monastic Contexts→
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Professional Engagement

Memberships

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Member, Working Committee, ICRC International Conference on Reducing Suffering During Armed Conflict: The Interaction between Buddhism and International Humanitarian Law (2019)

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Member, Academic Research and Educational Committee, International Buddhist Confederation, Delhi, India (2017–2020)

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Member, Executive Committee, International Buddhist Confederation, Delhi, India (2017–2020)

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Member, Sri Lankan Tibetan Buddhist Brotherhood Society (2017–Present)

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Member, World Buddhist Sangha Council, Taipei, Taiwan (2012–2022)

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