British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick recently hosted Venerable Wadigala Samitharathana Thero, the first Sri Lankan Buddhist monk to study at the University of Oxford in over 105 years.
Sharing the news on social media platform ‘X,’ the High Commissioner remarked on Ven. Samitharathana Thero’s inspiring journey, emphasizing the transformative power of education and the deep-rooted ties between England and Sri Lanka.
In December 2024, St Cross College at Oxford welcomed Ven. Samitharathana Thero as a Glorisun Scholar, where he is pursuing an MPhil in Buddhist Studies. His admission marks a historic milestone for both Sri Lanka and the prestigious university.
The last Sri Lankan Buddhist monk to attend Oxford was Ven. Suriyagoda Sumangala, who enrolled in 1919 as a non-collegiate student and later pursued a BLitt at Harris Manchester College.
St Cross College, a constituent college of the University of Oxford, is renowned for its diverse academic community and dedication to interdisciplinary studies.
