History of the Department of Sankrit & Eastern Studies
History of the Department of Sankrit & Eastern Studies
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The University of Kelaniya, originally founded in 1958 as Vidyalankara University, stands as one of Sri Lanka’s most prominent centers of higher learning. Among its earliest academic units is the Department of Sanskrit and Eastern Studies, an institution that has significantly shaped the study of classical knowledge systems in the country. The department’s inaugural head was the renowned scholar Professor Rahula Sankrtyayana, whose intellectual leadership laid a strong foundation for its academic vision. From 1966 to 1974, the department was guided by Professor Santi Bhikshu Sastri, a highly respected academic whose scholarly contributions greatly enhanced its reputation. He was succeeded by Professor Suamanlal Kekulawala, who headed the department from 1974 to 1979, further strengthening its academic programs and research culture.
In later years, several distinguished scholars continued to expand the department’s scope and influence. These include Ven. Maramba Ratanasara, Professor M. H. F. Jayasuriya, Professor S. Weeratunga, Professor Ven. Nawagamuwe Rewatha, Professor Ven. Kahapola Sugatharatana, Professor S. A. G. Wijesinghe, Senior Professor Ven. Induragare Dhammaratana, Senior Lecturer Ven. Embogama Wimalaghana, Senior Lecturer Walapane Gnanasena, and Professor K. B. Jayawardhane. Each contributed significantly to the enhancement of teaching quality, research output, and student development, ensuring that the department remained a leading center for classical studies in Sri Lanka.
Uniquely, the Department of Sanskrit and Eastern Studies at the University of Kelaniya remains the only academic institution in Sri Lanka offering comprehensive instruction in Sanskrit, Vāstuśāstra, Astrology, and Hinduism. It provides a full range of undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs, including B.A., M.A., M.Phil., and Ph.D. degrees, without requiring any prior qualifications for enrollment. In addition to these degree programs, the department also offers certificate and diploma courses that are open to both local and international students.
The department is well known for its academic and cultural initiatives designed to enrich student learning. Among these is the annual Vāstu Expo, a large-scale exhibition that showcases traditional architectural principles and modern applications. The department also publishes an academic research journal titled Ālaya, which serves as a platform for scholarly dialogue in the fields it represents. Other major initiatives include the International Research Conference, the Gītābhivandanā Cultural Show, and various one-day interdisciplinary workshops, all of which contribute to the development of students’ academic, practical, and creative skills. The Saṁprāṣa Student Union also plays a central role by organizing multiple academic and performance-based programs throughout the year.
Furthermore, the department provides scholarships for students who successfully complete their degrees, giving them opportunities to pursue higher education abroad. The certificate and diploma courses in Astrology, Yoga, Vāstuśāstra, and Sanskrit also attract many learners seeking to deepen their knowledge in these traditional disciplines.
The department recognizes the urgent need to produce qualified graduates capable of applying ancient theoretical knowledge to contemporary contexts using modern materials and methods. Such professionals can address significant gaps in society, especially in fields like applied astrology, intangible heritage, problem solving, forecasting pertinent to climate factors, and cultural preservation. By equipping students with both theoretical insight and practical skill, the program not only contributes to national development but also offers a meaningful response to unemployment, empowering graduates to establish independent and sustainable careers.
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