In Memory Of Ven Dr Walpola Rahula Thera

– the finest make of a visionary academic- born on 26th Jan 1907 and passed away in 1997

Ven.Dr.Walpola Rahula thero was one of the most celebrated Buddhist monks in Sri Lankan history. Not only he was an excellent academic and keen scholar, but also a visionary leader. His fame travelled across borders which made him an internationally revered figure.

Academic achievements

Rahula thero received his education at Vidyalankara Pirivena and later on earned his degree at University of Ceylon (present University of Colombo). He studied further at University of Culcutta and at Sorbonne University. Following his scholarly achievements, in 1964, he became the first bhikku to hold  a professorial position at a western university, when he joined the Northwestern University in Illinois, USA. His knowledge was well sought after. He visited many other foreign universities to hold lectures.

Years at University of Sri Jayewardenepura

In 1966, Ven.Rahula became the Vice Chancellor of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura. The entire student population rejoiced over his instigation, as it was a triumph on the part of the university to have such an acclaimed academic in its highest administration. Accordingly, he did so much to the improvement of the university though his tenure of office was rather short. Having worked with academics from universities worldwide, Rahula thero succeeded in arranging for foreign professors to visit Sri Jayewardenepura University to conduct lectures for local students. Equally, there were opportunities created for local lecturers to go abroad for training programmes. During his time, he included several diploma and post-graduate diploma courses to the existing study list and many of them were new pathways for students to explore in.

Service to Buddhism

His contribution to the advancement of Buddhism was tremendous. As an accomplished writer, Ven.Rahula had published books on Buddhism in Sinhala, English and French. Not only they took Buddhist doctrines to the world, but they also provided guidelines for monks, explaining how they can do more for the society with Buddhist teachings. He was instrumental in establishing the first Theravada temple in the United States, named the ‘Washington Vihara’. After having left his office at Sri Jayewardenepura University, Rahula thero again rendered his services to foreign universities. In early 1980’s he returned to Sri Lanka and took a key role in setting up the Buddhist and Pali University. He was a member of the academia at Sorbourne University

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