The Inauguration Ceremony of the Diploma in Buddhist Studies for International Students was held by the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies of the University of Kelaniya on the 1^st of August 2024, at the K14 Auditorium of the University of Kelaniya.

This event is a symbol of commitment to sharing the rich traditions and teachings of Buddhism with a global audience, attracting students from diverse countries including Malaysia, Vietnam, China, Korea, Japan, Thailand, Burma, Hong Kong, and Bangladesh. The coordinator of this program is Senior Lecturer Dr. Amila Kaluarachchi of the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies.

The event highlighted a compelling keynote address by Professor Wimal Hewamanage of the University of Colombo, who offered valuable insights into the relevance of Buddhist studies in contemporary society.

The ceremony was graced by esteemed guests including Senior Professor Nilanthi De Silva, Vice-chancellor of the University of Kelaniya; Dr. Sudath Senerath, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities; and Senior Professor Venerable Makuruppe Dhammananda Thero, Head of the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies.

The occasion also saw the participation of the distinguished attendees including Venerable Kamburawala Rewatha Nayaka Thero, Chief Incumbent of Scotland's Buddhist Vihara, and Senior Lecturer Venerable Dodamkumbure Dhammadassi Thero, Director of the Centre for Distance and Continuing Education (CDCE) of the University of Kelaniya, along with various academic and non-academic staff members.