CANTERBURY– Canterbury Christ Church University has recognised The Most Venerable Dr Kirinde Assaji with its prestigious Lifetime Achievement Honour Award, acknowledging his exceptional contribution to spiritual leadership, interfaith harmony, and community development.
The ceremony was held at the University Chapel during Dr Assaji Thero’s official visit. The recognition highlights his decades of service promoting peace, compassion, education, and sustainable community initiatives in Sri Lanka and internationally.
The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Nimal Senadheera, as well as academic leaders and community representatives. Senior university officials, Vice-Chancellor Professor Rama Thirunamachandran and Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohamed Abdel-Maguid, formally presented the honour.
In his address, Dr Assaji Thero emphasised the importance of inner peace, stating that “true peace begins within ourselves,” and highlighted the need to combine modern education with moral and spiritual values.
Beyond recognition, the visit signals a strengthening partnership between Sri Lanka and the United Kingdom, with growing opportunities in higher education, cultural dialogue, sustainable development, tourism, and people-to-people connections.
The recognition marks a significant moment of global appreciation, reinforcing shared values of peace, compassion, and international cooperation.
Canterbury Christ Church University has established a growing global presence in line with its vision to strengthen Transnational Education (TNE). Professor Mohamed Abdel-Maguid and his team continue to advance this vision by fostering an inclusive academic culture that respects global traditions, beliefs, and values. The university emphasises that education must connect meaningfully with the communities it serves, as this connection is essential to building a truly impactful and knowledge-driven society.
