High Commission of India
Colombo

PRESS RELEASE

Launch of the reprint of the ancient Pali Grammar book Balawatharo

Ancient Pali grammar book ‘Balawatharo’ was reprinted by Pathfinder Foundation with the support of High Commission of India, Colombo and Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR), Government of India. Deputy High Commissioner, Dr. Satyanjal Pandey launched the reprint of the ancient Pali Grammar book Balawatharo yesterday (13 September 2025) along with Pathfinder Foundation, at the sacred Dalada Maligawa Temple, Kandy. The book was presented to Most Ven. Dimbulkumbure Sri Saranankara Wimaladhammabhidana Thero, Anunayake Thero of Malwatte chapter, Most Ven. Dr. Niyangoda Wijithasiri Thero, Anunayake Thero of Malwatte Chapter, Most Ven. Wedaruwe Dharmakeerthi Sri Rathanapala Upali Thero, Anunayake of Asgiriya chapter and Venerable Theros of Malwatte and Asgiriya chapter. 

2. ‘Balawatharo’ is the second ancient Pali text to be reprinted by Pathfinder Foundation with the support of High Commission of India, Colombo and Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR), following the earlier reprint of the Pali grammar treatise ‘Namamala’. The reprint will make this valuable text, which has, for generations, served as a cornerstone of Pali studies in Sri Lankan Pirivenas and schools, accessible to students of Pali in Sri Lanka. During the event, leaders of Mahasangha appreciated and thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi for declaring Pali as a Classical Language and for his efforts for the promotion of Pali Language. The shared heritage of the Pali language is a powerful symbol of the enduring spiritual and cultural bond between India and Sri Lanka.

3. In his remarks, DHC reiterated that, Government of India has been committed towards the preservation and promotion of Buddhist heritage and culture. Most recently, it was due to the timely objections raised by the Government of India that the auctioning in Hong Kong, of the sacred gem relics of Lord Buddha, was postponed. DHC mentioned how Government of India took swift and comprehensive action to halt the sale, emphasizing its illegality and calling for the relics’ return to their rightful place in India, where they were discovered in Piprahwa in 1898. These relics have now been repatriated to India, and this affords devotees from across the world—including Sri Lanka— to have the opportunity to pay their respects.

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Colombo
14 September 2025

Sinhala PR - Launch of the reprint of the ancient Pali Grammar book Balawatharo.

Tamil PR - Launch of the reprint of the ancient Pali Grammar book Balawatharo.