Milinda Moragoda, Founder of the Pathfinder Foundation, presented the first copy of Namamala, a reprint of a critical Pali grammar book, to Dr Niyangoda Vijithasiri Anunayake Thero of the Malwathu Chapter of the Maha Viharaya at a launch event held at BMICH recently.

During the event, Milinda Moragoda also handed over copies of the book to Most Venerable Wendaruwe Upali, Senior Professor Kotapitiye Rahula, Most Venerable Dr Vaskaduwe Mahindawansa, Mahanayake Thero of the Amarapura Sambuddha Sasanodaya Chapter, and Most Venerable Waleboda Gunasiri Anunayake Thero.

The book was first printed in 1870, with a second edition published in 1965 to cater to the needs of university students studying the Pali language. The Pathfinder Foundation decided to republish Namamala in its original format with the approval of Most Venerable Dr Vaskaduwe Mahindawansa Mahanayake Thero, aiming to promote the study of Pali as an academic language.

Dr Satyanjal Pandey, Acting High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka, was a special guest at the launch. The reprinting of Namamala was sponsored by the High Commission of India.

The book will be distributed free of charge to event attendees and those interested in studying Pali, including pirivenas, temples, and universities across Sri Lanka. For copies of Namamala, please contact +94 11 452 9952-3 or email pm@pathfinderfoundation.org.