A delegation from the Peoples Friendship’s University, Moscow in the Russian Federation visited the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies in the University of Kelaniya on 27^th September 2022.

The delegates discussed future collaboration to promote Buddhist Studies in Russian Universities. To succeed the future collaboration, the delegates made their attention to signing an MoU between both universities in the areas of conducting student exchange programs, conducting staff exchange programs, implementing degree programs, and organizing joint conferences.

The People’s Friendship University was represented by Ms. Larisa Efremova, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, Ms. Nadezhda Kuchma, Project Coordination Specialist of the Department of International Project, Ms. Anastasia Gurova, Head of the Alumni Department and Dr. Oleg Barnasho, Head of the Office for Cooperation with International Organizations. Meanwhile, Dr. Sudath Senarath, Dean - Faculty of Humanities, Venerable Senior Professor Makuruppe Dhammananda Thero, Head - Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, Venerable Senior Professor Nabirittankadawara Gnanaratana Thero, Cadre Chair - Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, Senior Professor Uditha Garusingha, Professor Osantha N.Thalpawila, and Ms. Sashini Chandrasekara – Coordinator -International cooperation at the Center for the International Affairs represented the University of Kelaniya. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Sudath Senarath, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, and coordinated by Professor Osantha N.Thalpawila, Committee member on International Affairs.

At the end of the discussion, the delegates also met the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya Cadre Chair & Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva.