Ven. Dr. Dodamkumbure Dhammadassi Thero, Senior Lecturer Grade I in the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, began his second term as Director of the Center for Distance and Continuing Education (CDCE) at the University of Kelaniya on the 11^th of August 2024. The appointment letter was formally presented to Ven. Dr. Dodamkumbure Dhammadassi Thero by Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya, on the 8^th of August 2024, at the Vice-chancellor’s Office.

With over two decades of experience in academia, both as a lecturer and an administrator, Ven. Dr. Dodamkumbure Dhammadassi Thero brings a wealth of expertise to his role. From 2015 to 2021, Ven. Dr. Dhammadassi Thero served as the Director of the Inter-Faculty Center for Coordinating the Modular System (ICCMS). Additionally, Ven. Dr. Dhammadassi Thero was a Senate Member of the Faculty of Humanities from 2003 to 2023. Ven. Thero’s previous roles also include Chief Student Counselor from 2005 to 2008 and Director of Student Affairs from 2017 to 2018.

Ven. Dr. Dhammadassi Thero holds an impressive academic background with a Ph.D. in Buddhist Architecture, an MSc in Buddhist Art and Architecture, an MA in Buddhist Studies, an Honours BA in Buddhist Culture, and a Diploma in Archaeology. Ven. Thero’s scholarly contributions include several notable publications, such as The Origin and Development of the Forest Tradition, The Characteristic of the Sri Lankan Buddha Image, The Development of the Sri Lankan Buddha Image, and The Historical Medamahavihara.

During his first term as Director of the Center for Distance and Continuing Education (CDCE) from 2021 to 2024, Ven. Dr. Dodamkumbure Dhammadassi Thero spearheaded several transformative initiatives that significantly enhanced the center's operations and services. These included expediting the registration process for new students and launching a Bachelor of Arts degree with a revised syllabus. These reforms not only expedited registration but also ensured a more up-to-date and relevant curriculum for students.

In addition, Ven. Dhammadassi Thero oversaw a comprehensive overhaul of the Learning Management System (LMS), resulting in a more efficient and user-friendly platform for both students and faculty. To address the backlog of examinations that had accumulated over the years due to various challenges, he implemented a systematic approach to conducting these exams continuously and ensured that results were released promptly, thereby reducing delays and enhancing transparency.

A significant achievement during his tenure was the establishment of an E-Library, which provided students with greater access to digital resources and research materials. The CDCE website also underwent a substantial redesign, making it more accessible and navigable for users. Furthermore, recognizing the diverse needs of the student community, he initiated the creation of a lactation room, offering a supportive facility for nursing mothers within the institution. These advancements reflect Ven. Dhammadassi Thero's commitment to improving the academic environment and supporting the needs of both students and staff at the CDCE.

On August 29, 2024, the Staff of the CDCE hosted a distinguished event at the CDCE to honor the services of Ven. Dr. Dodamkumbure Dhammadassi Thero and to mark the beginning of his second term. The gathering was graced by several prominent figures, including Senior Professor N.R. de Silva, Vice-Chancellor; Senior Professor N.A.K.P.J. Seneviratne, Dean of the Faculty of Graduate Studies; Professor M.M. Gunathilaka, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences; Senior Professor S.R.D. Kalingamudali, Dean of the Faculty of Science; Professor W.M.C.B. Wanninayake, Dean of the Faculty of Commerce & Management Studies; Dr. U.S. Senarath, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities; Professor Madawa Chandratilake, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine; Dr. R.L.C.S. Pushpakumara, Dean of the Faculty of Computing and Technology; Mr. K.K.K. Dharmathilaka, Registrar; Mrs. W.L.S. Wijesekara, Acting Bursar; Professor C. Pathirawasam, Director of the Centre for Quality Assurance; Professor W.A.P.J. Premaratne, President of the Kelaniya University Teachers’ Association; Deputy Directors of the CDCE; Academic Coordinators; Dr. Chinthaka Rathnayake, Chief Medical Officer; as well as Administrative Officers and Non-Academic Staff.

The event commenced with a warm welcome by Mr. S. Manivannan, Senior Assistant Registrar of the CDCE, who also presented a detailed overview of the progress achieved over the past three years under the leadership of Ven. Dr. Dodamkumbure Dhammadassi Thero. Subsequently, Ven. Dr. Dodamkumbure Dhammadassi Thero addressed the audience, followed by remarks from Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-chancellor of the University of Kelaniya. Mr. K. K. K. Dharmathilaka, the Registrar, also delivered a speech. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Mrs. S. C. Wickramanayake, Assistant Bursar of the CDCE.

In wrapping up the August 29, 2024, event, it was clear that the occasion highlighted the profound impact of Ven. Dr. Dodamkumbure Dhammadassi Thero’s leadership at the Center for Distance and Continuing Education. The ceremony not only celebrated his remarkable achievements and ongoing contributions but also reaffirmed the commitment of the CDCE and its leadership to advancing educational excellence. As Ven. Dhammadassi Thero embarks on his second term, the enthusiasm and support from the university community underscore a shared dedication to further enhancing the CDCE’s role in providing accessible and high-quality education. The collective efforts of all involved promise continued progress and innovation under his experienced guidance.