Aggamaha Panditha Most Venerable Kotapitiye Rahula Anunāyaka Thero, Senior Professor (Retired) of the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, University of Peradeniya, and Anunāyaka and Chief Secretary of the Sri Kalyāni Sāmagridharma Mahāsaṇghasabhā, Kotte Chapter, Sri Jayewardenepura, was conferred the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Literature (D. Litt.) by the University of Kelaniya at its 151^st General Convocation, held on 25^th of August 2025 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH).

The ceremony was presided over by Senior Professor Nilanthi de Silva, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kelaniya.

This award was made in recognition of his extensive contributions, including his academic service to advancement of Pali and Buddhist Studies, his administrative service for national and international development of the field and his overall contribution to the progress of Theravada Buddhism and the Sāsana, both locally and globally. This honour further recognizes his intellectual achievements on the international stage.

The award was presented, and the citation was read by Ven. Senior Professor (Chair) Madawachchiye Dhammajothi, Director of Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies.

Deans of the Faculties, Heads of the Departments, the Registrar, the Librarian, Directors and Chairpersons of the Units and Centers, academic and non-academic staff, graduands, and their families graced the event.