The Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies represents one of the oldest Departments of Study in the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, originally formed in 1959 under the name of Vidyodaya University of Sri Lanka. The founder of the University, the Most Venerable Welivitiye Sri Soratha Nayaka Thera had the objective of making the University a center of learning on Buddhist Philosophy and Buddhist Civilization. The Department is proud to continue this tradition and provide opportunities for students to learn major areas related to Buddhism – Pali Language, Buddhist Civilization and Buddhist Philosophy.