The Pathfinder Foundation, with the support of the High Commission of India in Colombo and the Indian Council of Cultural Relations (ICCR), reprinted the ancient Pali grammar text Balawatharo. The reprint was officially launched yesterday at the sacred Dalada Maligawa Temple by India’s Deputy High Commissioner Dr. Satyanjal Pandey, together with the Pathfinder Foundation.
The first copies were presented to Most Venerable Tibbatuwawe Sri Sumangala Nayake Thera of the Malwatte Chapter and Most Venerable Warakagoda Gnanarathna Nayake Thera of the Asgiriya Chapter, along with other senior monks of the Siyam Nikaya. The book was originally compiled in 1800 AD by Rajaguru Second Dammakitthi and Third Dammakitthi Theras and has long served as a cornerstone of Pali studies in pirivenas and schools across Sri Lanka.
This marks the second ancient Pali text to be reprinted under the initiative, following the earlier republication of Namamala. Leaders of the Maha Sangha expressed gratitude to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for declaring Pali a Classical Language and supporting its promotion globally.
In his remarks, Dr. Pandey underlined India’s commitment to preserving Buddhist heritage, highlighting how New Delhi’s timely intervention prevented the auctioning of sacred Buddha relics in Hong Kong, ensuring their repatriation to India.
The reprinted edition of Balawatharo and Balawatharaya Gadaladeniya Sannaya will be distributed free of charge to pirivenas, temples, universities, and interested students of Pali. Copies can also be obtained by contacting the Pathfinder Foundation.
The book was given free of charge to those attended the event and others interested in studying the Pali language, including pirivenas, temples, and universities in Sri Lanka. Interested parties may contact +94 11 452 9952-3 or pm@pathfinderfoundation.org for further information.
