Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka

Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka is situated in a location which surrounds Sri Maha Bodhi Tree, Swarnamali Stupa in Eight Sacred Places (Atamastana) and ancient Mihintale that was established with the Buddhist culture by Ven. Arahant Maha Mahinda Thero who introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka.

Having started by the name Buddhasravaka Dharma Peethaya in the year 1969, this great educational institution was renamed as Buddhasravaka Bhiksu University in the year 1996 and Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka in the year 2012 but the objective of the first University Act remains unchanged. The administrative structure of the University consists of the Supreme Council, the Council and the Senate and the Faculty Boards for administering academic matters.

During ancient Anuradhapura Kingdom, Arahant Maha Mahinda Thera introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka at the king Devanampiyatissa’s reign. From then onwards, his followers Sangha, the brethren, dedicated themselves even by sacrificing their lives to protect and nourish Buddhism while being academic and disciplined. As a result of their boundless endeavour, noble, advanced and significant educational institutions began keeping the monasteries as the centre. So, the educational institutions like Mahaviharaya and Abhayagiriya in Anuradhapura, Tissamaharamaya and Situlpawwa in the Southern Province became the first educational institutions for monks. These educational institutions existed in the form of universities at that time. They were the great places for both monks and lay community to research into doctrinal and other academic disciplines. By the passage of time, they got deteriorated due to foreign influences and several other reasons. It was a huge blow to Buddhist dispensation.

The library that enriches the knowledge of students and exam branch that measures the knowledge of students can be considered as the lifeblood of the University. Chancellor, Vice Chancellor who is the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Academic Officer, Deans and Heads together with the academic staff who work towards the accomplishment of students’ academic affairs with Registrar, Bursar, Librarian, Senior Assistant Registrars, Assistant Bursar, and Assistant Registrars and the non-academic staff members are among those who work for the progress of the University.

According to the sentence 03 in part 01 of Buddhasravaka Bhiksu University Act established on 26^th of January 1996, the objectives are given below.

1. To train Bhiksu students in accordance with the teachings of Lord Buddha.
2. To promote training and research in Buddhist meditation among the Bhiksu students of the University.
3. To train Bhiksu students to propagate Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka and abroad.
4. To encourage the study of and research in Buddhism.
5. To promote Buddhist culture and its values.
6. To do anything else connected with or incidental to the objectives referred to above.

Vision

To be the topmost Theravada Buddhist higher education institute in Asia.

Mission