Sri Lanka Journal of Management Studies’ new volume dedicated to Ven. Weliwitiye Sri Soratha Thero
View(s):Volume Six, Issue Two of the Sri Lanka Journal of Management Studies (SLJMS) has been released. SLJMS offers a dynamic platform for scholars to contribute to the evolving fields of Business Management and Entrepreneurship, providing excellent visibility and the potential for significant academic and practical impact. Sri Lanka Journal of Management Studies is honoured to dedicate the release of Volume Six, Issue Two, to Ven. Weliwitiye Sri Soratha Thero, recognising his remarkable contributions to education and research in Sri Lanka. As a pioneering Buddhist monk, scholar, and visionary leader, Ven. Sri Soratha Thero left an indelible mark on the nation’s intellectual, spiritual, and cultural landscape through his leadership, writings, and commitment to educational reform.Ven. Soratha Thero transformed Vidyodaya Pirivena into a premier institution of Buddhist higher education.
Recognising the need for educational modernisation while preserving cultural heritage, he initiated academic publications, including the Vidyodaya Journal of Buddhist Studies and numerous series dedicated to Buddhist scholarship. In 1956, Ven. Soratha Thero assumed the historic role as the first Vice-Chancellor of Vidyodaya University (today known as the University of Sri Jayewardenepura), established through parliamentary legislation. His vision was transformative: he sought to create a university that balanced modern education with the profound values of Buddhism. Under his leadership, academic departments were diversified to include not only traditional Buddhist studies but also modern disciplines. These expansions significantly enhanced the university’s national impact and remain integral to its curricula today.
Ven. Sri Soratha Thero’s commitment to inclusivity was visionary, pioneering education in Sinhala and subsequently introducing Tamil-language instruction. Recognising English as a vital global language, he mandated English proficiency to ensure graduates could thrive internationally. His initiatives also significantly advanced gender inclusivity, facilitating women’s higher education at a parallel institution and promoting external degree programmes accessible to all.As an active promoter of interfaith dialogue and social harmony, Ven. Soratha Thero frequently engaged in public lectures, interreligious conferences, and international Buddhist missionary activities, embodying values of compassion and unity. His scholarly rigor was matched by profound moral integrity and practical administrative skills, seen vividly in his judicious resource management during the construction of university infrastructure.
Ven. Soratha Thero’s transformational leadership style is also a significant area for further scholarly exploration. As articulated by Bernard A. Bass in 1985, transformational leadership is defined by four key dimensions: idealised influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation, and individualised consideration. It is evident that Ven. Soratha Thero embodied all these attributes. He was far more than an administrator—he was a visionary who inspired meaningful, positive societal change. His foresight enabled the alignment of university education with both national priorities and emerging global trends. Through his strategic leadership, he established a foundation of stability and sustainability, with policies and structures resilient enough to endure and evolve well beyond his lifetime.
Ven. Weliwitiye Sri Soratha Thero passed away on 25th July 1963, leaving behind a legacy deeply rooted in the educational and cultural revival of Sri Lanka. Today, the University of Sri Jayewardenepura stands as a testament to his visionary leadership and dedication. His life and work continue to inspire educators, leaders, and students, highlighting the timeless relevance of his contributions to Sri Lankan education.In commemorating Ven. Sri Soratha Thero, the Sri Lanka Journal of Management Studies invites current and future educators and scholars to reflect upon and emulate his visionary approach—one that combines respect for heritage with innovative responsiveness to contemporary educational challenges. His legacy endures, guiding Sri Lanka towards an enlightened and inclusive educational future.
The articles featured Volume Six, Issue Two of the Sri Lanka Journal of Management Studies (SLJMS) tackle pressing issues that resonate with both scholars and practitioners and consists of eight articles under the following headings.
Power of Emotional Appeal Strategy in Advertisements: Does it Enhance the Brand Awareness?
Implications of Environmental Accounting Practices on Sustainable Value Creation Through the Mediator Role of Responsive Environmental Dynamism
Individual Taxpayer Perceptions and E-Tax Filing: A Conditional Mediation Analysis
Factors Affecting Lapsation of Life Insurance Policies in Sri Lanka; Special Reference to Matara District
Impact of Work Life Balance and Job Burnout on Job Satisfaction towards Quiet Quitting of Factory Employees in a Battery Manufacturing Company in Sri Lanka
Green Purchase Intention for Personal Care Products: Insights from an Urban Sri Lankan Context
Impact of Social Media Influencers on Consumer Brand Relationships in Branded Fashion Industry in Sri Lanka: The Moderating Role of Consumer Innovativeness
CEOs Psychological Capital and Service Quality in Nigeria Public Health Sector
The selected papers underwent a rigorous review process aligned with the journal’s scope and guidelines. As a result, they represent high-quality academic contributions and reflect a valuable experience for all involved. The current issue can be referred to via https://sljms.sljol.info/.
(The writer is a Professor in Management Studies at the Open University of Sri Lanka. You can reach him on nalinabeysekera@gmail.com.)
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