Venerable Dr. Bodagama Chandima Thero

Vice Chancellor

Ven. Dr. Bodagama Chandima Thero
  • vc@niibs.edu.lk
  • +94 11 2904 650 (Ext:650)

Venerable Dr. Bodagama Chandima Thero was the chief architect in establishing the Nāgānanda International Institute for Buddhist Studies (NIIBS) in 2013 and is currently holding the position of its Vice Chancellor and Executive Director.

Venerable Dr. Bodagama Chandima Thero has received honorary titles, including “Pariyatti Vibhushana” from the Kotte Sangha Council, “Jaathyanthara Dharma Visarada” from the Amarapura Supreme Sangha Council, “Lokatthacari” from Sarvodaya, and “The Most Venerable Kiriwatthuduwe Sri Pragnasara Memorial Award” from the All Ceylon Buddhist Congress.

Venerable Dr. Bodagama Chandima Thero has held a range of significant official positions, including Advisor to His Excellency the President of Sri Lanka on International Religious and Cultural Affairs, Founder and Director of the Theravada Samadhi Education Association in Taipei, Taiwan, Chief Sri Lankan Buddhist Representative for Taiwan, Director for the Cultural Committee of the World Buddhist Sangha Council, Instructor to the Corporate Body of the Buddha Education Foundation in Taiwan, President of the Maha Bodhichariya Foundation in Sri Lanka, Founder of the Sri Lanka Dharma Chakkra Child Foundation, Founder of Lianxin Kindergarten in Sri Lanka and Chief Incumbent of several temples including the Manelwatta Temple in Bollegala, Kelaniya, Sri Vijayaramaya Temple in Ratmalana and Pacchimaramaya Temple in Debarawewa.

Venerable Dr. Bodagama Chandima Thero’s educational journey began with a Bachelor of Arts in Tripitaka Dharma from the Buddhasravaka Bhikku University. He has earned a Master of Arts in Tripitaka Dharma from the Buddhasravaka Bhikku University. He holds a Ph.D. from the Taiwan Normal University and a Ph.D. Honorary Degree from the University of Ruhuna.