A panel discussion was held at Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre in Colombo on the decision to recognise Pali as a classical language. The event was held in the presence of Deputy Incumbent of the Gangaramaya Maha Viharaya, Ven. Dr. Kirinde Assaji Thero, Deputy High Commissioner of India to Sri Lanka Dr. Satyanjal Pandey and Secretary in Ministry of Buddhasasana (बुद्धसासना), religious and cultural affairs Ranjith Ariyaratne.

Dr. Pandey highlighted that by recognising Pali as a classical language, India is committed towards propagation and understanding of the language as well as the teachings of Lord Buddha. Dr. Assaji Thero thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi on behalf of all monks for the timely recognition of Pali.

Several leading academics in Pali and Buddhist studies from various universities in Sri Lanka participated in the discussion. Head of Historical studies in Central University Bodhgaya Professor Anand Singh shared a video message on the importance of Pali Language and its recognition as a classical language.