Ven. Wadigala Samitharathana Awarded MPhil in Buddhist Studies with Higher Merit from the University of Oxford

Oxford, United Kingdom

The Oxford Buddhist Society is pleased to share that Ven. Wadigala Samitharathana has been awarded the degree of Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Buddhist Studies with Higher Merit from the University of Oxford. His postgraduate research was completed through St Cross College and the Faculty of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, University of Oxford, under the supervision of Professor Kate Crosby.
His thesis, entitled “Epistemology of Exegesis: A Critical Study of the Saddhammappakāsinī through the Lens of Pāli Hermeneutics”, explored important questions relating to Pāli exegesis, interpretation, and the hermeneutical traditions through which Buddhist teachings have been studied and transmitted.

Ven. Samitharathana’s studies and research were generously supported through several academic awards and funding initiatives, including the Vajiramedhi Scholarship in Pāli Studies, the Glorisun Graduate Scholarship in Buddhist Studies, the Academic Travel and Research Fund, and the Academic Skills and Languages Fund. These opportunities supported his continued engagement with Pāli textual studies, Buddhist philosophy, and the wider academic study of Theravāda Buddhist traditions.

Reflecting on the completion of his degree, Ven. Samitharathana expressed his deep gratitude to his parents, siblings, teachers, preceptor, spiritual friends, and devoted members of the lay Buddhist community whose guidance, generosity, and encouragement supported him throughout his academic and monastic journey. He dedicated the merit arising from this achievement to the service of the Buddha, Dhamma, and Saṅgha, and to the wider cultivation of peace, compassion, and wisdom for the welfare and happiness of all beings.

This academic milestone also reflects the continuing commitment of Ven. Samitharathana to bringing together traditional Buddhist learning, Pāli scholarship, contemplative practice, and contemporary academic study. May this achievement contribute to the preservation and deeper understanding of the Buddha’s teachings and inspire future generations to pursue learning in the service of wisdom and compassion.

Thank you! 🙏