After 105 years, a Buddhist monk of Sri Lankan origin has been selected for higher education at Oxford University, one of the world’s most prestigious institutions. This remarkable achievement has brought pride to Sri Lanka and highlights the strong academic and cultural ties between the two nations.
The monk, Venerable Wadigala Samitharathana Thero, hails from the Laggala region. Demonstrating exceptional academic prowess, he completed his GCE Advanced Level examination with distinction in the Central Province. He subsequently pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree at the Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya.
Excelling in his studies, Venerable Wadigala Samitharathana Thero graduated with first-class honors in philosophy. Building on this success, he secured admission to the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom, where he is currently pursuing a Master of Philosophy degree in Buddhist Studies as a Glorison Scholar.
This milestone marks the second time in over a century that a Sri Lankan Buddhist monk has been granted the opportunity to study at Oxford. The first was Venerable Suriyagoda Sumangala Thero in 1919. The inclusion of Venerable Wadigala Samitharathana Thero in this legacy is a testament to the enduring intellectual contributions of Sri Lankan monastic scholars on the global stage.
Venerable Wadigala Samitharathana Thero’s journey underscores the significance of fostering academic excellence and cultural exchange, further enriching the longstanding relationship between Britain and Sri Lanka.
