In order to commemorate the 150th Birth Anniversary of Anagarika Dharmapala (1864-2014), a Sri Lankan Buddhist Revivalist and the Founder of Mahabodi Society, the Centre for Contemporary Indian Studies (CCIS) of the University of Colombo organized a half-day academic Symposium on Anagarika Dharmapala and India-Sri Lanka Relations on the 24th September 2014 from 9.30am to 1.30pm at the Senate Hall of the College House, University of Colombo. HE Mr. Y. K. Sinha, the High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
The former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Thailand and the Emeritus Prof. J. B. Disanayaka delivered the keynote address at the inaugural session of this Symposium. Prof. K. N. O. Dharmadasa – Editor in Chief of Sinhala Encyclopedia, Dr. K. D. G. Wimalaratne – former Director of Dept. of National Archives, Prof. Asanga Tilakarathna – Pali and Buddhist Studies Unit of University of Colombo and Dr. Gitanjali Surendran – Associate Professor of Jindal Global University, Delhi presented their perspectives at the academic discussion.
Keynote Address by Professor J.B.Disanayaka, Former Sri Lankan Ambassador to Thailand, Emeritus Professor of Sinhala, University of Colombo [ Download Keynote ]
Dharmapala’s mission was to re-establish Buddhism in its birthplace: Prof. Dissanayake
Saddened by Lankan “underappreciation” of Indian aid: High Commissioner Sinha
