Nurturing, Promoting and Protecting Buddhism
DEPARTMENT OF BUDDHIST AFFAIRS
VISION
A righteous society that preserves Buddhist practices
MISSION
To create a righteous and virtuous society and achieve its continued existence by properly organizing and implementing the tasks and activities for the perpetuation and promotion of the Sambuddha Sasana.
OBJECTIVES
To safeguard Theravada Buddhism, protect Sanghika property, preserve Buddhist culture and values, and guide the community towards a sustainable Buddhist way of life in line with modern needs.
Background of the Department
The Department of Buddhist Affairs is responsible for sustaining and developing the Buddhasasana through a wide range of activities, including the administration of Buddhist temples and properties, the development of temples, the improvement of Dhamma school education, and the registration of all Samanera and Upasampada Bhikkus in the country, as mandated by the Buddhist Temporalities Ordinance No. 19 of 1931. To effectively carry out these functions, the Department operates through specialized divisions and maintains regional offices in Kandy, Ratnapura and Kurunegala providing greater accessibility for Bhikkus in distant areas.
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The Department of Buddhist Affairs is the central government institution responsible for safeguarding, promoting, and administering the Theravāda Buddhist tradition in Sri Lanka through the guidance of temples, clergy, and community services.














