Nāgānanda International Institute for Buddhist Studies is a degree awarding institute recognized by the Government of Sri Lanka under the provisions of the Universities Act No.16 of 1978. NIIBS aspires for development, protection and dissemination of Buddhist culture. Nāgānanda International Institute for Buddhist Studies intents on educating, inspiring and preparing students to engage in global human health, cultural and social well-being with continuously lifelong learning, critical thinking, personal accomplishments and teamwork spirit.
History
The 40 acres picturesque land where NIIBS is situated is gifted to the Buddha Sāsana by then President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, late Mr. J. R. Jayewardene and his wife Mrs. Elena Jayewardene for the express purpose of providing facilities to learn Dhamma and lead a disciplined life in keeping with the teachings of the Buddha.According to historical documents, this land area earlier known as “Rajawatta” is located in the area which was offered to the Buddha by Nāga king Maṇiakkhita at the Buddha’s visit to “Kelanipura” (the city Kelaniya).
Academic units
Faculty of Graduate Studies
The fundamental aim of the faculty is to widen the horizons of Buddhist studies with equal emphasis on its theoretical and practical aspects through in-depth studies and researches closely related to the primary sources and in the light of secondary sources. Further the research programmes will not be confined to the traditional fields and subjects studied mainly on theoretical basis in almost all universities and higher educational institutions in Sri Lanka.
Faculty of Buddhist Studies
Basic teachings of early Buddhism with reference to the Pāli canon: Dependent co-origination, three Characteristics, four noble truths, nibbāna. Social philosophy and social ethics of early Buddhism with reference to the suttas such as Sigāla, Maṅgala Vasala, Parābhava, Vyagghapajja, Vāseṭṭha, Aggañña and Brāhmaṇadhammika. Meditation and meditational practices with reference to the suttas such as Satipaṭṭhāna, Vanapattha, Dvedhāvitakka, Vitakkasaṇṭhāna, Sabbāsava and Sāmaññaphala. Disciplinary codes of ethics related to management of human resources and institutions with reference to Vinayapiṭaka and relevant suttas of Suttapiṭaka.
Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences
The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences is a multi-disciplinary Faculty of the Nagananda International Institute for Buddhist Studies in Sri Lanka catering to students’ needs in the local and the international market oriented programmes, ranging from Certificate Level to master’s degree Level prioritising the national heritage under the four Departments of the Faculty. Initially, the faculty was established with four Academic Departments including Communication and studies, Applied Archaeology, Heritage & Anthropology and Language Studies. The NIIBS Media unit, A/V studio and Asian cultural Centre are conducted and maintained under the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences.
School of Information Communication Technology
School of Information Communication Technology (SICT) will foster lifelong learning, critical thinking and partner with like-minded communities spanning the globe in furthering human endeavors that serve all mankind using science and technology behind Buddhist teachings and practices.
