The Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts, University of Peradeniya, proudly hosted the launch ceremony of the landmark philosophical translation Tao Te Prakarana on 31 July. This significant work, translated from Classical Chinese into Sinhala by Venerable Sandamadulla Sumanasara Thero, marks a major step forward in the academic and cultural dialogue between Chinese and Sri Lankan traditions.
The Sinhala edition is based on a complete translation jointly rendered by Dr. Deng Lianhe and Dr. Xu Jiayu, with the latter also producing the English version of the text. The event saw wide participation from undergraduates, non-academic staff, and members of the University’s Philosophy Association, reflecting growing interest in comparative philosophy.
A highlight of the ceremony was a special guest lecture delivered by Mr. Jayantha Bogoda, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Philosophy. The session was presided over by Dr. Madurawala Sobitha Thero, Senior Lecturer in the Department of History.
Dr. Xu Jiayu delivered an insightful talk on the challenges and nuances of translating the Tao Te Ching into English, offering valuable perspectives on cross-cultural interpretation. Among the distinguished speakers were Royal Pandita Sastrapati Venerable Pathberiye Wimalagnana Nayaka Thero, Dr. Venerable Madurawala Sobitha Thero, Darshanapati Venerable Sandamadulla Sumanasara Thero, Dean of the Faculty of Arts Dr. Prabath Ekanayake, Head of the Department of Philosophy Prof. Namali Kumari Handagama, Dr. Sumedha Weerawardena, and Assistant Lecturer Lakshan Wirajith Chandrasiri.
In addition to Tao Te Prakarana, Venerable Sandamadulla Sumanasara Thero has translated approximately five other works into Sinhala, covering key themes from Daoism, Confucianism, and Chinese Buddhism. These efforts represent an important contribution to the dissemination of Eastern philosophical traditions in Sri Lanka and lay a strong foundation for future intercultural scholarly engagement.
