Sri Lanka, Jan. 31 -- I am writing this brief essay in connection with the felicitation ceremony for Emeritus Professor Asanga Tilakaratne, one of the foremost Buddhist scholars in contemporary Sri Lanka. The ceremony will be held on 2nd February 2025 at the BMICH at 3:30 PM. I take this opportunity to reflect on my association with Professor Asanga Tilakaratne and his contributions to the advancement of Buddhist studies in Sri Lanka.
I consider Prof. Asanga Tilakaratne to be a contemporary link to eminent Buddhist scholars like G.P.Malalasekera, K. N. Jayatilleke and David J. Kalupahana, who played a pioneering role in the field of Buddhist Studies in modern Sri Lanka. Prof. Asanga's primary interest lies in the Buddhist philosophy of lan...