In Sri Lanka, a Rakhine Monk Obtains Ph.D Degree – Becoming the 13th Among Rakhine Monks to Earn a (Ph.D)

News February 4, 2026

A Rakhine monk currently studying in Sri Lanka, Venerable Ashin Dhanissara, has successfully and deservedly earned his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degree through a research thesis on Buddhism and modern management.

Venerable Ashin Dhanissara completed his doctoral dissertation titled "A Comparative Study of the Concept of Leadership in Buddhism and Modern Management" at the Nagananda International Institute for Buddhist Studies in Sri Lanka. He successfully passed the final oral defense examination (Viva-voce) on January 30 of the previous month.

Having now obtained the Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) degree, Venerable Ashin Dhanissara (also known as Dr. Dhanissara) is the son of his father U Maik Nak and mother Daw Way Tin Chay, from Minywa village, Minbya Township, Rakhine State.

This venerable monk ranks as the 13th among Rakhine monks to receive a Ph.D degree and the 58th among monks from Myanmar, according to available information.

Dr. Dhanissara completed his early monastic education as follows:

• Primary novice level (Paṭhama-ññu) and primary intermediate level (Paṭhama-laddha) at Visuddhāruṇ Monastery in Paletwa;

• Higher level (Paṭhama-kyaw) at Ywama Pariyatti Learning Center in South Dagon, Yangon;

• Sāsanadhaja Dhammācariya degree at Aung Myay Bodhi Dhamma Hostel (fulfilling the wishes), in Tamwe Township, Yangon.

Additionally, he has earned M.A. degrees from the University of Kelaniya and the University of Colombo in Sri Lanka.

source@onenationnews