Pirivena is a monastic college (similar to a seminary

Seminary

A seminary, theological college, or divinity school is an institution of secondary or post-secondary education for educating students in theology, generally to prepare them for ordination as clergy or for other ministry...

) for the education of Buddhist priest

Priest

A priest is a person authorized to perform the sacred rites of a religion, especially as a mediatory agent between humans and deities. They also have the authority or power to administer religious rites; in particular, rites of sacrifice to, and propitiation of, a deity or deities...

s in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a country off the southern coast of the Indian subcontinent. Known until 1972 as Ceylon , Sri Lanka is an island surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait, and lies in the vicinity of India and the...

. 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

Ministry of Education (Sri Lanka)

The Ministry Of Education is a ministry of the Government of Sri Lanka that directs the formulation and implementation of policies related to primary and secondary education in Sri Lanka...

. Young priests undergo training at these pirivenas prior to being their Ordination

Ordination

In general religious use, ordination is the process by which individuals are consecrated, that is, set apart as clergy to perform various religious rites and ceremonies. The process and ceremonies of ordination itself varies by religion and denomination. One who is in preparation for, or who is...

.

List of famous Piriven

• Vidyalankara Pirivena
  Vidyalankara Pirivena
  Vidyalankara Pirivena is one of the largest Buddhist pirivenas in Sri Lanka. Located in Peliyagoda, it is nearly 100 years old. Under the pirivena's leadership, several schools were started in the region; one is Sri Dharmaloka College, one of the primary colleges in the region....
  
   (later the Vidyalankara University)
• Vidyodaya Pirivena
  Vidyodaya Pirivena
  The Vidyodaya Pirivena was one of the prominent piriven in Sri Lanka.-Name:...
  
   (later the Vidyodaya University)
• Maligakanda Pirivena
• Parama Dhamma Chethiya Pirivena