Venerable Hemarathana Thera honored with Tibetan University Doctorate

Atamasthana Adhipathi Venerable Pallhegama Hemarathana Thera was awarded an honorary Doctorate in Buddhist Studies from the prestigious Central Tibetan University of Higher Studies, located in Sarnath, India, on February 17, 2025..

This is the first ever instance of a Sri Lankan Buddhist monk being conferred with such an honor by a Tibetan university, marking a significant milestone in the recognition of Sri Lankan scholars within international Buddhist academia. 

The Minister of Cultural Affairs of India, Mr. Gajendra Singh Shikawat, was the chief guest at this grand occasion at the university, along with the Deputy Chancellor, Venerable Geshe Wanchuck, highlighting the close ties between Sri Lankan and Tibetan Buddhist traditions.

Dr. Mendis, the founder of the Sri Lankan Buddhist Brotherhood Foundation, represented Sri Lanka at this historic event and spoke about the significance of international Buddhist unity and the shared values between the two countries.

Venerable Hemarathana Thera, who has dedicated his life to propagating the Buddha’s teachings, is highly regarded both in Sri Lanka and abroad for his tireless efforts in advancing the Buddhist faith.

His achievements not only reflect the rich heritage of Sri Lankan Buddhism but also represent the ongoing collaboration and mutual respect among the Buddhist traditions of Sri Lanka, India, and Tibet.

The ceremony was graced by several prominent Buddhist monks, dignitaries, and scholars, making the occasion even more special.

The event was a true celebration of Buddhist scholarship and the enduring impact of the Buddha’s teachings across borders and cultures.