Accessibility Options
A Legacy of Knowledge
History
The University of Kelaniya, established in 1959, has a rich history rooted in the pursuit of higher education in Sri Lanka. Originally founded as the Vidyalankara University of Ceylon, it was established to meet the growing demand for education in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. In 1978, it was renamed the University of Kelaniya, reflecting its location and expanding academic offerings. Over the decades, the university has evolved into a comprehensive institution, known for its commitment to academic excellence, research, and community engagement.
Journey Through Our Legacy: A Historical Introduction
UoK's Historical Timeline
2024 January 31
University of Kelaniya Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies Opens New Building
President Ranil Wickramasinghe inaugurated the new building of the Postgraduate Institute of Pali and Buddhist Studies, affiliated with Kelaniya University. Guests also included minister of education Dr. Susil Premajayantha, minister of state for higher education Dr. Suren Raghavan, the vice-chancellor of Kelaniya University Prof. Nilanthi De Silva, Burmese ambassador Mr. Han Thu, the Most Ven. Prof. Kotapitiye Rahula Anunayake Thero and other members of the monastic community.
2024 May 10
The Opening of the New Building Complex - Faculty of Computing and Technology
The state-of-the-art building complex of the Faculty of Computing and Technology, constructed under the Asian Development Bank-funded Science and Technology Human Resource Development Project, was opened on 10th May 2024. Ms. Thilaka Jayasundara; the Secretary to the Ministry of Education, graced this occasion as the Chief Guest while Senior Professor Sampath Amaratunge; the Chairman of the University Grants Commission, and Mr. Takafumi Kadono; the Country Director of Asian Development Bank participated as the Guests of Honour.
2015 December 30
Faculty of Computing and Technology
Professor Gamini Vijayarathna was first dean of the faculty.
1998 December 01
Faculty of Graduate Studies
Professor S Vidyapathirana was first dean of the faculty.
1995
Faculty of Commerce and Management Studies
Professor Ananda Patabedige was first dean of the faculty.
1991
60th anniversary of the University of Kelaniya
The 60th anniversary of the University of Kelaniya, titled "Vidulakara Punarawalokana," was celebrated on June 17, 2019, at Dharmaloka Hall. The event was presided over by the Most Venerable Dr. Welamitiyawe Dharmakirthi Sri Kusaladhamma Nayaka Thero, Chancellor of the university, and included the Vice-Chancellor Prof. D.M. Semasinghe and other distinguished guests.
1991 September 02
Faculty of Medicine
Professor Carlo Fonseka was first dean of the faculty.
1981/1982
Faculty of Social Sciences & Faculty of Humanities
In 1981/1982 academic year, faculty of arts divided into faculty of social sciences & faculty of humanities
1979 January 01
University of Kelaniya
The Vidyalankara University became the University of Kelaniya in 1979
1978/79
Moved to New Library building at Dalugama Premises
1967 October 12
Faculty of Science
Professor Charls Dahanayake was first dean of the faculty.
1961-1965
Moved to Dalugama Permises
In 1961, an area of ??21 acres belonging to the government was assigned to the university from the land known as Dalugama "Minor Champ".
1959
Established Five Faculties
Faculty of Buddhist, Faculty of Languages, Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Science (Removed in 1961/62) and, Faculty of Philosophy and Research
1959 June 17 04.15 P.M.
Vidyalankara University
The Vidyalankara Pirivena became the Vidyalankara University in 1959.
1875 November 01
Vidyalankara Pirivena
Rathmalane Sri Dharmaloka Thero was a prominent Buddhist monk who established the Vidyalankara Pirivena on November 1, 1875. This institution aimed to promote Buddhist education and was instrumental in revitalizing Buddhist studies in Sri Lanka.
