Pirivena

A pirivena (plural: piriven) is a monastic college (similar to a seminary) for the education of Buddhist priests in Sri Lanka. These have been the centers of secondary and higher education in ancient times for lay people as well. Today 561 Piriven are founded and maintained by the Ministry of Education. Young priests undergo training at these pirivenas prior to being their Ordination.

Types

• Mulika Pirivena
• Maha Pirivena
• Vidyayatana Pirivena

Notable instances

• Vidyalankara Pirivena (later the Vidyalankara University)
• Vidyodaya Pirivena (later the Vidyodaya University)
• Maligakanda Pirivena
• Parama Dhamma Chethiya Pirivena

See also

• Seminary