Premier Modi extends gratitude to scholars and monks

Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi extended his gratitude and appreciation to the scholars and monks in Colombo for joining in the celebration organised by the High Commission of India in Colombo to mark the recognition of Pali as a Classical Language by Government of India (GoI).
The Prime Minister, over a social media post on ‘X’ (formerly, Twitter), said, “Glad that the Indian Government’s decision of conferring Classical Language status on Pali has ignited a spirit of joy among those who believe in the thoughts of Bhagwan Buddha. Grateful to the scholars and monks from different nations who took part in this programme in Colombo.”
According to a press release issued by the High Commission of India (HCI), the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre (SVCC), the cultural arm of HCI, had organised a panel discussion on ‘Pali as a Classical Language’ in Colombo.
Deputy High Commissioner of India, Dr. Satyanjal Pandey graced the event with Ranjith Ariyaratne, Secretary of the Ministry of Buddha Sasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, National Integration, Social Security, and Mass Media, Government of Sri Lanka as the Chief Guest.  The inaugural address was delivered by Dr. Ven. Kirinde Assaji, Chief Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Temple, followed by a panel discussion on the topic.
The panel included distinguished scholars, namely, Prof. Anand Singh from the Central University of South Bihar, Bodhgaya (via video presentation), Ven. Prof. Miriswaththe Wimalagnana from the Department of Buddhist Culture at the Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies, Ven. Prof. Gonadeniye Pannarathana from the Department of Pali at the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka, Ven. Dr. Deniyaye Pannaloka Buddharakkitha from the Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies at the University of Kelaniya, and Ven. Dr. M. Sugathasiri from the Department of Buddhist Studies at the University of Colombo.  The Sri Lankan scholars commended the milestone decision by the Government of India to recognise Pali as a classical language and praised this initiative, highlighting it as a reflection of India’s deep commitment to preserving and propagating Buddhist heritage 
and culture.