The 112th Commemoration Ceremony of the founding farther of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Most Venerable Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayake Thero held on 03rd of May 2023 at the university premises. The commemoration ceremony was attended by Prof Upul Subhasinghe; Acting Vice-Chancellor, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, the Registrar, Bursar, Deans of Faculties, Academic, Nonacademic and Administrative staff of the University.
Ven. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thero was a prominent Buddhist monk and scholar who contributed to the revival of Buddhism and education in Sri Lanka in the 19th century. He founded the Vidyodaya Pirivena in Maligakanda in 1873, which later became the University of Sri Jayewardenepura in 1959. He was also a key figure in the Panadura debate of 1873, where he defended Buddhism against Christian missionaries.
The commemoration ceremony began with a religious service at the university, followed by a floral tribute at the statue of Ven. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thero. A commemorative oration was delivered by Prof. Praneeth Abyesundara, of the Department of Anthropology, at the Sumangala Hall followed by the event held at Ven. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thero statue. He highlighted the achievements and legacy of Ven. Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thero as a pioneer of Buddhist education and culture.
