Universities and Higher Educational Institutions established under the purview of the University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka
Universities and Higher Educational Institutions in Sri Lanka have been established under various legal frameworks, including Special Presidential Decree, University Orders, Acts of Parliament, and the Higher Education Act of 1978. These universities operate under the authority of the University Grants Commission (UGC), ensuring they meet national standards for higher education. Below is a detailed look at the different categories of higher education institutions in Sri Lanka.
Government Universities in Sri Lanka
Government universities are the cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s higher education system, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
| Institution Name | Website URL | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern University, Sri Lanka | www.esn.ac.lk | Focuses on regional development and offers diverse programs. |
| Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine | www.gwu.ac.lk | Specializes in traditional and alternative medicine. |
| Rajarata University of Sri Lanka | www.rjt.ac.lk | Provides education aimed at regional development. |
| Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka | www.sab.ac.lk | Offers a variety of programs focusing on regional needs. |
| South Eastern University of Sri Lanka | www.seu.ac.lk | Known for its programs in arts, commerce, and applied sciences. |
| The Open University of Sri Lanka | www.ou.ac.lk | Provides distance learning programs across various disciplines. |
| University of Colombo | www.cmb.ac.lk | The oldest and one of the most prestigious universities in Sri Lanka. |
| University of Jaffna | www.jfn.ac.lk | Offers diverse programs and focuses on regional development. |
| University of Kelaniya | www.kln.ac.lk | Known for its strong programs in humanities, social sciences, and medicine. |
| University of Moratuwa | www.mrt.ac.lk | Leading institution for engineering, technology, and architecture. |
| University of Peradeniya | www.pdn.ac.lk | Renowned for its beautiful campus and comprehensive academic programs. |
| University of Ruhuna | www.ruh.ac.lk | Offers programs focusing on regional development in the southern province. |
| University of Sri Jayewardenepura | www.sjp.ac.lk | Known for its business and science programs. |
| University of the Visual & Performing Arts | www.vpa.ac.lk | Specializes in fine arts, performing arts, and design. |
| University of Vavuniya | www.vau.ac.lk | Focuses on higher education and regional development in the northern province. |
| Uva Wellassa University of Sri Lanka | www.uwu.ac.lk | Emphasizes value addition and entrepreneurship in its programs. |
| Wayamba University of Sri Lanka | www.wyb.ac.lk | Offers diverse programs focusing on agriculture, business, and applied sciences. |
Government Campuses in Sri Lanka
These campuses serve as extensions of larger universities, offering specialized programs.
| Institution Name | Website URL | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sri Palee Campus | www.spc.ac.lk | Focuses on humanities and performing arts, affiliated with the University of Colombo. |
| Trincomalee Campus | www.tce.ac.lk | Offers programs in arts and applied sciences, affiliated with the Eastern University of Sri Lanka. |
Higher Educational Institutes
These institutes provide specialized education and advanced studies in various fields.
| Institution Name | Website URL | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Institute for Agro-Technology and Rural Sciences | www.iarts.ac.lk | Focuses on agricultural technology and rural sciences. |
| Institute of Bio-Chemistry, Molecular Biology and Bio Technology | www.ibmbb.lk | Specializes in biochemistry and biotechnology research and education. |
| Institute of Human Resource Advancement | www.ihra.cmb.ac.lk | Provides programs aimed at human resource development. |
| Institute of Technology University of Moratuwa | www.itum.mrt.ac.lk | Offers diplomas in engineering technology and information technology. |
| National Institute of Library and Information Science | www.nilic.lk | Specializes in library and information science education. |
| Postgraduate Institute of Medicine | www.pgim.cmb.ac.lk | Provides advanced medical education and training. |
| Postgraduate Institute of Science | www.pgis.pdn.ac.lk | Offers postgraduate programs in various scientific disciplines. |
| Postgraduate Institute of Agriculture | www.pgia.ac.lk | Focuses on advanced studies in agriculture. |
| Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology | www.pgia.sjp.ac.lk | Specializes in archaeological research and education. |
| Postgraduate Institute of English | www.pgie.cmb.ac.lk | Provides advanced programs in English language and literature. |
| Postgraduate Institute of Humanities and Social Sciences | www.pgihss.kln.ac.lk | Offers postgraduate programs in humanities and social sciences. |
| Postgraduate Institute of Indigenous Medicine | www.pgiim.cmb.ac.lk | Specializes in traditional medicine studies. |
| Postgraduate Institute of Management | www.pim.sjp.ac.lk | Renowned for its management education programs. |
| Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences | www.pgims.sjp.ac.lk | Offers advanced medical science programs. |
| Postgraduate Institute of Pali & Buddhist Studies | www.pib.ac.lk | Provides advanced studies in Pali and Buddhist studies. |
| Swamy Vipulananda Institute of Aesthetic Studies | www.vpa.ac.lk | Specializes in aesthetic and performing arts education. |
| The National Centre for Advanced Studies in Humanities & Social Sciences | www.ncas.lk | Focuses on advanced research in humanities and social sciences. |
| University of Colombo School of Computing | www.ucsc.cmb.ac.lk | Leading institution for computing and IT education. |
Other Government Universities/Institutes Established by Acts of Parliament
These institutions were established to address specific educational needs and provide specialized training.
| Institution Name | Website URL | Description |
|---|---|---|
| The General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) | www.kdu.ac.lk | Provides military and civilian education, focusing on defense studies. |
| Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka | www.bpu.ac.lk | Dedicated to Buddhist and Pali studies, promoting Theravada Buddhism. |
| Bhiksu University of Sri Lanka | www.busl.ac.lk | Focuses on Buddhist education and research. |
| University of Vocational Technology | www.univotec.ac.lk | Offers programs aimed at developing vocational and technical skills. |
| Ocean University of Sri Lanka | www.ocu.ac.lk | Specializes in marine science, maritime studies, and oceanography. |
| National Institute of Education (NIE) | www.nie.lk | Responsible for curriculum development and educational research. |
Common Questions About Higher Education Institutions in Sri Lanka
Prospective students and their families often have numerous questions when considering higher education in Sri Lanka. Common inquiries include the best universities for engineering and business studies, such as the University of Moratuwa and the University of Colombo, respectively.
Many also seek information on specialized fields, like indigenous medicine offered by the Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine. The application process for postgraduate programs, particularly at prestigious institutions like the University of Colombo, is a frequent topic, as is the availability of research opportunities at institutes like the Industrial Technology Institute. Distance learning options are a significant consideration for many, with the Open University of Sri Lanka providing extensive programs in this area. Admissions requirements for specialized institutions, such as the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, are also a common query.
Additionally, the promotion of sustainability in academic programs, exemplified by NSBM Green University, and the availability of scholarships for international students at various universities are crucial topics. Finally, the best institutions for studying information technology, such as the Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), are frequently asked about, reflecting the growing demand for IT professionals in the global market. These questions highlight the diverse interests and concerns of students seeking higher education in Sri Lanka, emphasizing the need for detailed, accessible information.