Abstract:
Vidyalankara and Vidyodaya Pirivenas were the key centres of learning that transformed
the Sri Lanka mindset from a colonial one to that demanding full Independence, not only
politically, but also economically and culturally. With the British allowing a limited degree
of freedom of religion, Paramadhammacetiya Pirivena was formed as a centre of
ferment in 1841 leading the way to the establishment of Vidyodaya Pirivena in 1873 and
Vidyalankara Pirivena in 1875. These two institutions, especially the latter provided a
close dialogue among the people and made a think-tank of the Independence
movement. It revived the former university type of Buddhist education lost in the sacking
of key pirivenas by the Portuguese. Those associated with Vidyalankara and Vidyodaya
provided intellectual support for the key anti-colonial debates culminating in the
Panadura Controversy while closely associating with Buddhist schools which were an
indirect creation of those who helped launch the social conscience movement (almost all
Left leaders were products of Buddhist schools). Its graduates followed the tradition of
Buddhists engaged in social action, long before engaged Buddhism became
fashionable. Their social liberation discussions preceded by several decades, liberation
theology. Their Unilateral Declaration of Independence for the country was a key-marker
in monastic activism in line with monk revolts of 1818 and 1841. Internationally,
Vidyalankara became a centre of debate and discussion for many oriental and Leftoriented
oriental scholars in the region. The paper traces these developments and the
major difficulties Vidyalankara underwent.
