The Constitution

Article 1: Name
            This organization is called Sri Lanka Association of Buddhist Studies
            (SLABS). In Sinhala it is called Sri Lanka Bauddha Adhyayana Samgamaya.

Article 2: Address
            Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies
            133/19, Nawala Road, Narahenpita, Sri Lanka.

Article 3: Goals
            3A. To function as the united organization of Buddhist scholars and 
            professionals in Sri Lanka.       

            3B. To work for the advancement of Buddhist studies and research.

            3C. To foster interaction and cooperation among Buddhist          
            scholars, professionals and academic organizations.

            3D. To strengthen the bases of Buddhist education in
            Sri Lanka by development of Pali and Sanskrit studies in the Sri Lankan          
            educational system.

            3E. To disseminate Buddhist teachings within
            and outside Sri Lanka.

Article 4: Membership
            4A. There are four categories of membership: General, Associate, Life and
            Honorary

            4B. All those who have a postgraduate research qualification in Buddhist        
            studies and those who are in the permanent academic staff of a Buddhist
            Studies Department of a university or any other higher education or
            research institute are eligible for the General Membership.

            4C. The Association may offer General Membership to those who have 
            published research studies on Buddhism.

            4D. Postgraduate research students in Buddhist studies are eligible for        
            Associate Membership.

            4E. By paying the fee for Life Membership, a General Member can         
            become a Life Member.

            4F. The Association may offer Honorary Membership to those who         
            have made an outstanding contribution in the field of Buddhist studies.

Article 5: Membership Fees
            5A. Associate Membership: Rs.500 per year

            5B. General Membership: Rs.750 per year

            5C. Life Membership: Rs.2000

            5D. Honorary Membership: No fee.

Article 6: Board of Office Bearers
            6A. The Board of office-bearers will comprise the following: One
            Chairperson,two Deputy Chairpersons, two Secretaries, one Treasurer,
            seven Committee Members.

            6B. The duration of the office-bearers will be three years but may be
            re-appointed.

            6C. All general and life members are eligible to be appointed as office   
            bearers.

            6D. All members will have voting rights.

Article 7: Meetings
             7A. Committee Meeting shall be held at least once in three months, and the  
             quorum shall be more than half of the office-bearers.

             7B. General Meetings shall be held once a year and the quorum shall be one
             third of all members.

             7C. Special Meetings shall be held when requested by the members and the 
             quorum shall be 1/3rd of all members.

Article 8: Bank Account
            The Association will operate a savings bank account in its name. Cheques      
            will be valid when signed either by the treasurer and the chairperson or      
            either of the secretaries.

Article 10: Dissolution of the Association
            The Association shall be dissolved by passing a resolution with 2/3 of votes 
            cast at a General/Special Meeting . At such circumstances, the property    
            of the Association, with approval of the majority present at the General/
            Special meeting, shall be handed over to a research institute of Buddhist
            studies or an academic or professional organization of Buddhist studies.