The Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka successfully hosted the Eighth International Conference on Buddhist Studies – SLABS Conference 2026 on 16th, 17th and 18th October 2026 at the University premises in Homagama, bringing together distinguished academics, researchers, Buddhist scholars and delegates from Sri Lanka and overseas.

The conference attracted international participation from countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, Myanmar, China and South Korea, creating a valuable platform for the exchange of academic knowledge, research findings and scholarly perspectives in Buddhist Studies. The gathering also reflected the longstanding academic, historical and cultural relationships shared by Sri Lanka and other countries.

A significant highlight of the conference was the participation of Professor G. A. Somaratne, an eminent Sri Lankan scholar specialising in Early Buddhism and Pāli textual studies, who serves as an Associate Professor of Buddhist Studies at the University of Hong Kong and delivered the keynote address.

The conference was also honoured by the presence of Most Venerable Chair Professor Homagama Dhammanada Nayaka Thero, Vice Chancellor of the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, who participated as the Guest of Honour.

The three-day conference provided an important international forum for academics, researchers and Buddhist scholars to present their research, exchange ideas and engage in meaningful scholarly discussions on various dimensions of Buddhist Studies. It also strengthened academic cooperation and encouraged the development of international research networks among participating institutions and countries.

The successful conclusion of the Eighth International Conference of SLABS 2026 marked another significant milestone in the University’s continuing commitment to promoting Buddhist scholarship, international academic collaboration and the global dissemination of Buddhist knowledge.