🏛️ Pathfinder Foundation & Indian High Commission Host Symposium to Strengthen Pali Studies

• Event Overview: Pathfinder Foundation, the High Commission of India, and ICCR held a joint symposium in Colombo on 24 July 2026 to formulate strategies for preserving and promoting Pali language studies in Sri Lanka. • Key Stakeholders: Attended by senior members of the Maha Sangha across all three Nikayas, Indian High Commissioner Santosh Jha, academics, and policymakers. • Key Challenges & Education Integration: Keynote speaker Ven. Prof. Medagampitiye Vijithadhamma Thera highlighted that the decline in humanities & higher education enrollment stems from limited job prospects. He stressed the need for tighter collaboration between schools, Pirivena education, and universities. • Tech & Modernization Proposals: - Implementation of a national Pali examination system (similar to Thailand/Cambodia). - Utilization of AI & digital technology, including Optical Character Recognition (OCR), to digitize ancient palm-leaf manuscripts. • Bilateral & Cultural Ties: High Commissioner Santosh Jha reaffirmed India's commitment following its 2024 conferment of Classical Language status on Pali, supporting local efforts such as reprinting classical grammar texts (Namamala and Balawatharo).