Receiving high commendation from the Principal of the University College and also winning the Government University Scholarship as well. Being appointed to the academic staff of the same University he, in 1948, became Professor of Sanskrit. For a period he also served as the Dean of Faculty of Arts and Faculty of Oriental Studies.
Having served over 20 years as Professor of Sanskrit University of Ceylon (Peradeniya) in 1967 he assumed duties on the first Vice-Chancellor of the University of Colombo . After Professor Malalasekera's demise he took over the Post of Editor-in-chief of the Encyclopaedia of Buddhism. For his long and distinguished contribution, the University awarded him an Emeritus Professorship.
Sexuality in Ancient India
A Study based in Pali Vinaya Pitaka
Year of Publication : 1993
Author : Professor L.P.N Perera (1925 – 1994)
Number of pages : xv + 282
The usual practice in this kind of study is to utilize vedic and classical Sanskrit sources. However, in this instance the author makes a very comprehensive study making use of Pali sources, specially the Vinaya Pitaka. Therefore, this is novel as well as a major contribution to the study of this subject briging to light sources that had remained untapped up to then.
The contents reveal that this work is a very significant addition to the literature of social anthropology of ancient India , containing a wealth of information for students of social psychology, psychoanalysis, medicine and even law. This is the doctoral thesis presented to the University of Ceylon (Peradeniya) in 1973 under the title “Sexual Mores of Ancient India as reflected in the Vinaya Pitaka of the Pali Canaon”.
The author was a former Director of the PGIPBS, Professor of Pali and Buddhist Studies ( University of Sri Jayawardhanapura ) and also the Vice-Chancellor of the same University. A prolific writer, specially on aspects of social dimensios, he was awarded an Emeritus Professorship.
History of the Buddhist Sangha in India and Sri Lanka
Year of Publication : 1993
Author : Dr. G. Panabokke (1929 – 1994)
Number of pages : Xvi + 261
This is the thesis submitted for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy, University of Lancaster , in 1969. In this the author presents a very comprehensive account of the origin and evolution of the Buddhist monastic community in India from its inception up to the 3 rd century B.C; and this account is followed by a historical account of its development in Sri Lanka from its very introduction in the 3 rd century B.C. up to the 19 th century A.D.
This work is well documented and supported by literary as well as archeological evidence. Covering a very expansive period of the history of the Sangha, this work provides a mine of information on the subject, even shedding light on the causes that contributed to the present status of the Sangha organization.
The author a past student of St. Anthony's College, Kandy , entered University of Ceylon (Peradeniya) in1950 and obtained an Honours Degree in Buddhist Civilization. He served in the academic staff of the University of Kelaniya and PGIPBS.
Early Buddhism : Its Religious and Intellectual Milieu
Year of Publication : 1993
Author : Professor Chandima Wijebandara (1944 -
Number of pages : Xiv + 199
This is the revised version of the doctoral thesis submitted by the author to the University of Lancaster in 1978. This presents a very comprehensive study of religious and intellectual background in which Buddhism arose.
Discarding the usually adopted methodology of using references in early Buddhist Suttas as exercises in polemics and apologetics the author conrincingly demonstrates that their purpose is to evshee a rational and healthy response to other religio-philosophical views this well documented work presents a very vivid picture of the vibrant religio-philosophical background in which Buddhism took its birth.
The author graduated from the University of Ceylon with a Honours Degree in Buddhist Studies and completed his Doctoral Studies under Professor Ninian Smart at the University of Lancaster . He was the Head of the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, University of Sri Jayawardenapura and also Vice-chancellor of the same University.
Nirvana and Ineffability
A Study of the Buddhist Theory of Reality and Language
Year of Publication : 1993
Author : Professor Asanga Tilakaratne (1952 -
Number of pages : xi + 169
This work, as the author himself says, is primarily based an research he conducted as a doctoral student in the Department of Philosophy, University of Hawaii at Manoa.
In this work the author attempts to break new ground in providing a detailed critical appraisal of the theories of transcendence and ineffability posited by philosophers and theologians of both East and west and also presents the Buddhist critique of these theories.
While presenting such a critique the author focuses his attention on the early Buddhist conception of Nirvana, the final emancipation. The author convincingly argues, providing evidence, to demonstrate that Nirvana, as conceived in early Buddhism, is neither transcendental nor ineffable.
In further support of this thesis he presents a very lucid exposition of the Buddha's philosophy of language and its appalicablity to the early Buddhist conception of reality.
The author is a distingivished alumni of the Buddhasravaka Dharmapithaya Anuradhapura. He is a Pracheena Pandit, and also has obtained a First Class Honours Degree in Philosophy from the University of Peradeniya . Professor Asanga Tilakaratne who obtained his Ph.D. from the University of Hawaii is the present Director of the PGIPBS.
Vamsatthappakasini – The Mahavansa-tiaka and Translation
Year of Publication : 1993
Author : Venerable Akuratiya Amaravansa Nayaka Thero
Number of pages : xxxiv + xxxviii +589
This is the commentary an Mahavansa, the great ch……of Sri Lanka , composed by Venerable Mahanama in the 5 th Century AD. This commentary is very important for the fact that this provides vital historical information relevant to both India and Sri Lanka , not found in other original sources. Most of these historical data have been proved correct and have helped to res… cr….historical issues related to both India and Sri Lanka . This edition is in Sinhala script, and it is important as a source book for to student of history.
One of the Co-Editors of this text is Tripibaragisvaracarya, Mahapadyaya, Ven. Akuretiye Amarawamsa Nayake Thera, the Head of the Vidyodaya Pirivena. He is one of the most erudite monks in Sri Lanka , very proficient in Sinhala, Pali and Sanskrit Languages. He is a Pracheena Pandit as well as a holder of the M.A. Degree from the Postgraduate institute of Nalanda, affiliated to the University of ……………….
The other co-editor Mr. Hemachandre Dissanayake is a Pracheena Pandit, a Honour Graduate of the University of Ceylon , as well as M.a. Degree holder in Education.
The Chinese Version of the Dhammapada Translation with Introduction and Annotations
Year of Publication : 1995
Author : Venerable Professor Kualalampur Dhammajoti (1949 -
Number of pages : vii + 387
This is an study of the first Chinese version of the Dhammapada. With an annotated translation of it. The author has shown that the first 26 chapters of the Chinese version is very much similar to the text of the Pali Dhammapada. The translation and annotation serve a very useful service providing additional information for student following comparative studies.
Born in Kualalunpur , Malaysia , in 1949, Ven Professor Dhammajoti is well proficient in Pali, Sanskrit, Chinese and Tibetan languages. He obtained both the Master of Arts Degree as well the Doctor of Philosophy Degree from the Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies, University of Kelaniya . Ven. Professor Dhammajoti who joined the academic staff of the PGIPBS in 1984 is now the Head of the Department of Buddhist Literary Sources.
Entrance in to the Supreme Doctrine (Skandhila's Abhidharmavatara)
Year of Publication : 1998
Author : Venerable Professor Kualalampur Dhammajoti (1949 -
Number of pages : vii + 314
This book written by the great Abhidharma master Skandhila in the 5 th Century A.D. is now extant only Chinese and Tibetaa versions. It is an excellent presentation of the Sarvastivada Abhidharma teachings.
Master Skandhila presenting his thesis in a well planned scheme of eight fundamental categories (padartha) , five-aggregates (skandha) and three uncompounded things (asamskrta) elucidates very succinctly all the important teachings of the Sarvastivada school.
This work substantially based on the author's dissertaction for M.A. Research Degree is an extremely useful source book for students pursuing Abhidharma Studies.
The Katikavatas of Polounaruwa and Dambadeniye
A Historical and sociological study of the Sangha Society of Medieval Sri Lanka.
Year of Publication : 1995
Author : Venerable Professor Yatadolawatte Dhammavisudhi (1926 -
Number of pages : xi + 205
In this book written in Sinhala the author presents a very detailed historical and sociological analysis of the conditions of the Sangha society in medaerval Sri Lanka . He directs special focus on such important events as the unification of the three sects by King Parakaramabahu I, monastic education, monastic life, monastic administation and related matters and also deals about the malpractices and shortcomings that prevailed in the Sangha community of the time. As the contents show this book provides invaluable information on a very important area of study.
The venerable author is a graduate of the University of Sri Lanka . He obtained his M.A. from the University of Kelaniya , and PhD. from the University of London . He served in the Department of History, University of Kelaniya , of which he was the Head for sometime. He was also an Associate Professor of History.
Epistemology of Emmanuel Kant – a Study based on Buddhist Thought.
Year of Publication : 1997
Author : Professor Kapila Abhayawansa (1938 -
Number of pages : xiv + 237
The author for in this book present in a very lucid and a attractive manner Emmaenual Kant's views on epistemology generally considered as being difficult to comprehend.
Professor Abhayawansa who demonstrates that Kant's views are parallel to those of Buddhism that discards all metaphysical consideration in its analysis of the nature of the mind, opens out new avenues for further philosophical analysis. This book is in Sinhala language, and hence would be of immense value for students in that medium to obtain a clear understandings of Kant's epistemological theories.
The authors holds a Honours Degree in Sanskrit from the University of Peradeniya , and has performed excellently well in the Pracheena Pandit Examinations, topping the list in all three stages of the Examination. He obtained his Masters Degree from University of Benares , India , and earned his Ph.D. for this present work from the University of Kelaniya . A long standing member of the academic staff of the PGIPBS, he served as its Head of Department of Buddhist Cultural Studies.
Aagarjunas Moral Philosophy and Sinhala Buddhism
(Sahrdlekha and Lovedasangarava)
Year of Publication : 1995
Author : Professor David J. Kalupahana (1933 -
Number of pages : vii + 169
This is a comparative study of two well known texts on Buddhist ethie. One of them is the Sahrdlekha of Nagarjuna and the other is the Lovedasangarava of Ven. Veedagama Maiteya. Of these the former is in the form of an epistle sent by Acarya Nagarjuna to his royal friend and ruler of the time Gautamputra Satakarni. The Sanskrit original is not extant, and the text is available only in its Chinese and Tibetan versions. The latter is a very poular work in Sinhala language assigned to Ven. Veedagama Maitreyea of the 15 th century A.D.
Professor Kalupahana considers Acarya Nagarjunas work consisting of 123 stanzas is the most important text in the whole ethical literature in the world. He clearly shows that Acarya Nagarjuna, following the Buddha's teaching method of graduated-talk (anupubbikatha) very succinetly and effectively presents through his work all fundamentals of Buddhist ethics found seattterd in the discourses. Then he compares this work with the Sinhala text, Lovedasangarava showing the similarities.
Professor David J. Kaluphana is one of the brilliant products of the University of Peradeniya , where he served for same tieme. He obtained his Doctoral Degree from the University of London for his thesis on “Causality the Central Philosophy of Buddhism. Till retirement he served as the Head of the Department of Philosophy, University of Hawaii . The University of Peradeniya honoured his scholarship by conferring on him an Honorary D.Litt.
Suttanipata - Text and Translation
Year of Publication : 2001
Author : Professor N.A. Jayawickrama
Number of pages : vii + 435
This is the latest translation of the Suttanipata, one of most important texts included in the Khaddakamikaya. Professor Jayawickrama himself in his preface says that the text given is more less a transcript of the 1913 editors of Dines Anderson and Helmer Smith with only a few changes.
In this book the text is given in Raman script; each verse followed by its translation. The Professor further observes that the “translation is made mainly keeping the Buddhist readers in mind because of the importance of this book as a collection of Buddhist suttas occupying a place very close to the most popular book of pali verse the Dhammapada.
Professor N.A. Jayawickrama an eminent pupil of Professor G.P. Malalasekera obtained his PhD from the University of London (1947) for his thesis presenting a critical study of the suttanipata ……………….of both Peradeniya (1986) and kelaniya (1987) have, in recognition of his long and most distinguished contribution to Pali and Buddhist Studies conferred Emeritus professorship on him.
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