[Buddha-l] Sri Lanka Conference

[bclough]

Dear All,

See an announcement for an upcoming Buddhist Studies conference in 
Sri Lanka below.

I'm wondering if anyone else is like me--wanting very much to attend, 
but finding the date very inconvenient because it falls at a time 
when many Westerners--regardless of religious affiliation--are with 
family. I have written them, humbly suggesting a possible change of 
date. Perhaps if others also did so, we might be able to make a 
change happen (they provide a conference email address below).

Best Wishes,
Brad Clough

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Sri Lanka Association for Buddhist Studies

The Third Biannual International Conference

December 26-28, 2008 at Buddhasravaka Bhiksu University, Anuradhapura
Sri Lanka

Biannual International Conference

Sri Lanka Association for Buddhist Studies (SLABS) is the 
professional body of academics in the field of Buddhist Studies in 
Sri Lanka and has been in existence since 2002. It functions as the 
coordinating body of the academics in the field of Buddhist studies 
in Sri Lanka. In addition to the biannual international conference, 
SLABS publishes academic books, issues a newsletter thrice a year 
and organizes occasional min-conferences, seminars, workshops, and 
guest lectures at Sri Lanka's higher educational institutions. 

The First International Conference of SLABS was held in 2003 in 
Kandy at Palipane Sri Chandananda International Buddhist Centre and 
the second in 2006 at the University of Peradeniya.

Conference Site

The third conference will be held in the magnificent ancient city of 
Anuradhapura, a world heritage city located 205 km from Colombo, 
where many architectural wonders have been constructed from the 5th 
century BCE to the 10th century ACE. The temperature in Anuradhapura 
is usually warm, averaging around 28C (84-85F). The city attracts a 
large number of local pilgrims, visitors and foreign tourists due to 
its historical significance and the magnificent archeological sites. 

The Buddhasravaka Bhiksu University, Sri Lanka's first modern 
university exclusively for Buddhist monks, is located in the midst 
of these ancient archeological monuments, and the conference will 
attempt to take advantage of this location by arranging tours of the 
site, museum, and nearby Mihintale, a rock-monastic complex, the 
birth-place of Sri Lankan Buddhism. An excursion to the historical 
cities of Polonnaruwa and Dambulla can also be planned if sufficient 
interest is shown.

Conference Theme

Studies in Buddhist Thought, History and Culture: Recent Trends


Language

The conference will be conducted in English. Papers could also be 
presented in Sinhala.

Key Dates to Remember

September 30, 2008 ? Last day to submit abstracts
October 30, 2008 ? Last day for registration

December 26, 27, 28, 2008 ? Conference

Registration commences from the 1st of March, and you are encouraged 
to register as early as possible.

Call for Papers and Posters

Papers or poster presentations or proposals for panel discussions 
are invited in any area of Buddhist Studies.

Accommodation and Travel

During the three days of the conference, all participants will be 
provided with accommodations, meals, refreshments, conference 
materials, and a copy of the booklet of abstracts. Travel from and 
back to Colombo will be provided for all participants. 

The participants should register on or before October 30, 2008.

Registration Fee

Rs.  1500 Local participants and foreign students residing in Sri 
Lanka 
US $   50 Participants from SAARC countries
US $ 100 Participants from all other countries

Payment can be made by money order/bank draft written in favour of 
Treasurer, 
Sri Lanka Association for Buddhist Studies (SLABS). 

Cash payments are accepted at the Buddhasravaka Bhiksu University,
 Anuradhapura; 
Department of Pali and Buddhist Studies, 
University of Peradeniya; 
Unit of Pali and Buddhist Studies, 
Department of Sinhala, University of Colombo.




Foreign Participants

Travel to Anuradhapura from the airport/Colombo and return will be 
arranged. Documentation to fulfill visa requirements will be 
provided upon request.



Accommodation

Accommodation with limited facilities will be provided to all pre-
registered participants free of charge.

Address for Correspondence
slabsconference2008 at gmail.com

SLABS Conference Secretariat
Buddhasravaka Bhiksu University
Nandana Mawatha
Anuradhapura
Sri Lanka

First Announcement released: March 1, 2008


With best regards
Min Bahadur shakya
www.nagarjunainstitute.com




Bradley S. Clough
Abdulhadi H. Taher Chair in Comparative Religion
The American University in Cairo