The International Institute of Theravada (IIT) a monastic institution for the education of Buddhist monks situated in Karuwalagaswewa has been established under a special parliamentary act that was presented to the House by former President Maithreepala Sirisena. Here, former President Sirisena presents the Act to Most Venerable Meegoda Sanhasobhana  Nayaka Thera, Most Venerable Angulgamuwe Ariyananda Maha Thera, and IIT Chair Most Venerable Werapitiye Devananda Maha Thera at a function held at the IIT premises in Karuwalagaswewa on Sunday (30). Currently, more than 70 Buddhist monks, including 35 foreign monks, are studying at IIT and the institute is expecting to house 300 monks by 2027. The institute is open to all three Niakayas and conducts educational programs in both English and Sinhala. Pix by Nial Baduge