Accredited universities in Sri Lanka

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Computer Science & IT · Natural Sciences · Mathematics & Statistics · Business & Management

Accreditation

University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka (UGC / சர்வகலாசாலை மானியங்கள் ஆணைக்குழு / විශ්ව විද්‍යාල ප්‍රතිපාදන කොමිෂන් සභාව) — apex statutory body regulating Sri Lankan HEIs. Established under Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. Sri Lankan HE: (1) 17 UGC-approved NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — University of Colombo (1921 colonial heritage), Peradeniya (1942), Sri Jayewardenepura, Kelaniya, Moratuwa (engineering), Jaffna, Ruhuna, Eastern, South Eastern, Rajarata, Sabaragamuwa, Wayamba, Uva Wellassa, Visual + Performing Arts, Vavuniya, Buddhist + Pali, plus Open University (distance learning); (2) SPECIALISED INSTITUTIONS — General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, University of Vocational Technology, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine (Ayurveda); (3) NON-STATE UNIVERSITIES — SLIIT (IT), NSBM Green University, NIBM, APIIT, CINEC, Horizon Campus + others (regulated separately under Ministry of Higher Education). Sinhala + Tamil are national + official languages; English is link language + HE primary medium in major universities (medicine, engineering, IT, business). UGC admits via competitive Z-score exam — Sri Lankan public uni admission is among South Asia's MOST COMPETITIVE.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 1999 (chartered as Sri Lanka branch of APIIT Malaysia; Staffordshire UK degree partnership). Sri Lanka branch of APIIT Malaysia (Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology). Founded 1999. Staffordshire University UK degree partnership. ~3,000 students. IT + business + computing.

SubjectsTheology & Religious Studies · Languages & Linguistics

Accreditation

University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka (UGC / சர்வகலாசாலை மானியங்கள் ஆணைக்குழு / විශ්ව විද්‍යාල ප්‍රතිපාදන කොමිෂන් සභාව) — apex statutory body regulating Sri Lankan HEIs. Established under Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. Sri Lankan HE: (1) 17 UGC-approved NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — University of Colombo (1921 colonial heritage), Peradeniya (1942), Sri Jayewardenepura, Kelaniya, Moratuwa (engineering), Jaffna, Ruhuna, Eastern, South Eastern, Rajarata, Sabaragamuwa, Wayamba, Uva Wellassa, Visual + Performing Arts, Vavuniya, Buddhist + Pali, plus Open University (distance learning); (2) SPECIALISED INSTITUTIONS — General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, University of Vocational Technology, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine (Ayurveda); (3) NON-STATE UNIVERSITIES — SLIIT (IT), NSBM Green University, NIBM, APIIT, CINEC, Horizon Campus + others (regulated separately under Ministry of Higher Education). Sinhala + Tamil are national + official languages; English is link language + HE primary medium in major universities (medicine, engineering, IT, business). UGC admits via competitive Z-score exam — Sri Lankan public uni admission is among South Asia's MOST COMPETITIVE.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 1981 (chartered as Sri Lanka's national Buddhist studies + Pali language university; serves Buddhist monastic + scholarly community). Sri Lanka's national Buddhist studies + Pali language university. Chartered 1981. Serves Buddhist monastic + scholarly community. PALI was language of early Buddhist scriptures (Tripitaka), preserved primarily in Sri Lanka + Myanmar + Thailand. ~1,500 students. Buddhist clergy + lay students. Premier global Theravada Buddhist HE alongside Mahachulalongkornrajavidyalaya Thailand.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Computer Science & IT · Natural Sciences · Mathematics & Statistics · Marine Sciences · Tourism

Accreditation

University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka (UGC / சர்வகலாசாலை மானியங்கள் ஆணைக்குழு / විශ්ව විද්‍යාල ප්‍රතිපාදන කොමිෂන් සභාව) — apex statutory body regulating Sri Lankan HEIs. Established under Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. Sri Lankan HE: (1) 17 UGC-approved NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — University of Colombo (1921 colonial heritage), Peradeniya (1942), Sri Jayewardenepura, Kelaniya, Moratuwa (engineering), Jaffna, Ruhuna, Eastern, South Eastern, Rajarata, Sabaragamuwa, Wayamba, Uva Wellassa, Visual + Performing Arts, Vavuniya, Buddhist + Pali, plus Open University (distance learning); (2) SPECIALISED INSTITUTIONS — General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, University of Vocational Technology, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine (Ayurveda); (3) NON-STATE UNIVERSITIES — SLIIT (IT), NSBM Green University, NIBM, APIIT, CINEC, Horizon Campus + others (regulated separately under Ministry of Higher Education). Sinhala + Tamil are national + official languages; English is link language + HE primary medium in major universities (medicine, engineering, IT, business). UGC admits via competitive Z-score exam — Sri Lankan public uni admission is among South Asia's MOST COMPETITIVE.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 1990 (chartered as Sri Lanka's premier maritime + aviation private university; serves South Asian maritime industry training). Sri Lanka's premier maritime + aviation private university. Founded 1990. ~7,000 students. Maritime engineering + nautical sciences + aviation management + logistics. Serves South Asian maritime industry training (Sri Lanka's strategic Indian Ocean position).

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Agriculture & Environmental Studies

Accreditation

University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka (UGC / சர்வகலாசாலை மானியங்கள் ஆணைக்குழு / විශ්ව විද්‍යාල ප්‍රතිපාදන කොමිෂන් සභාව) — apex statutory body regulating Sri Lankan HEIs. Established under Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. Sri Lankan HE: (1) 17 UGC-approved NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — University of Colombo (1921 colonial heritage), Peradeniya (1942), Sri Jayewardenepura, Kelaniya, Moratuwa (engineering), Jaffna, Ruhuna, Eastern, South Eastern, Rajarata, Sabaragamuwa, Wayamba, Uva Wellassa, Visual + Performing Arts, Vavuniya, Buddhist + Pali, plus Open University (distance learning); (2) SPECIALISED INSTITUTIONS — General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, University of Vocational Technology, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine (Ayurveda); (3) NON-STATE UNIVERSITIES — SLIIT (IT), NSBM Green University, NIBM, APIIT, CINEC, Horizon Campus + others (regulated separately under Ministry of Higher Education). Sinhala + Tamil are national + official languages; English is link language + HE primary medium in major universities (medicine, engineering, IT, business). UGC admits via competitive Z-score exam — Sri Lankan public uni admission is among South Asia's MOST COMPETITIVE.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 1981 (chartered as Batticaloa University College; full university 1986; serves Tamil + Muslim Eastern Province; civil war impact context). Major Sri Lankan public university serving Eastern Province. Founded 1981 as Batticaloa University College. Full university 1986. Serves Tamil + MUSLIM majority Eastern Province (Eastern Province is Sri Lanka's most ethnically mixed: Tamil ~40% + Muslim ~37% + Sinhala ~23%). ~8,000+ students. Tamil-medium primary + English. CRITICAL CONTEXT: Eastern Province suffered civil war impact + 2004 Tsunami devastation.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Architecture & Design

Accreditation

University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka (UGC / சர்வகலாசாலை மானியங்கள் ஆணைக்குழு / විශ්ව විද්‍යාල ප්‍රතිපාදන කොමිෂන් සභාව) — apex statutory body regulating Sri Lankan HEIs. Established under Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. Sri Lankan HE: (1) 17 UGC-approved NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — University of Colombo (1921 colonial heritage), Peradeniya (1942), Sri Jayewardenepura, Kelaniya, Moratuwa (engineering), Jaffna, Ruhuna, Eastern, South Eastern, Rajarata, Sabaragamuwa, Wayamba, Uva Wellassa, Visual + Performing Arts, Vavuniya, Buddhist + Pali, plus Open University (distance learning); (2) SPECIALISED INSTITUTIONS — General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, University of Vocational Technology, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine (Ayurveda); (3) NON-STATE UNIVERSITIES — SLIIT (IT), NSBM Green University, NIBM, APIIT, CINEC, Horizon Campus + others (regulated separately under Ministry of Higher Education). Sinhala + Tamil are national + official languages; English is link language + HE primary medium in major universities (medicine, engineering, IT, business). UGC admits via competitive Z-score exam — Sri Lankan public uni admission is among South Asia's MOST COMPETITIVE.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 2000 (chartered as Sri Lanka's largest private campus network — multi-city presence across Sri Lanka). Sri Lanka's LARGEST private campus network by reach. Founded 2000. ~30,000+ students across multi-city campus network. UK university partnerships. Business + IT + engineering + design programmes.

SubjectsMedicine & Health Sciences · Natural Sciences · Pharmacy · Theology & Religious Studies

Accreditation

University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka (UGC / சர்வகலாசாலை மானியங்கள் ஆணைக்குழு / විශ්ව විද්‍යාල ප්‍රතිපාදන කොමිෂන් සභාව) — apex statutory body regulating Sri Lankan HEIs. Established under Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. Sri Lankan HE: (1) 17 UGC-approved NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — University of Colombo (1921 colonial heritage), Peradeniya (1942), Sri Jayewardenepura, Kelaniya, Moratuwa (engineering), Jaffna, Ruhuna, Eastern, South Eastern, Rajarata, Sabaragamuwa, Wayamba, Uva Wellassa, Visual + Performing Arts, Vavuniya, Buddhist + Pali, plus Open University (distance learning); (2) SPECIALISED INSTITUTIONS — General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, University of Vocational Technology, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine (Ayurveda); (3) NON-STATE UNIVERSITIES — SLIIT (IT), NSBM Green University, NIBM, APIIT, CINEC, Horizon Campus + others (regulated separately under Ministry of Higher Education). Sinhala + Tamil are national + official languages; English is link language + HE primary medium in major universities (medicine, engineering, IT, business). UGC admits via competitive Z-score exam — Sri Lankan public uni admission is among South Asia's MOST COMPETITIVE.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 2007 (chartered as Sri Lanka's premier AYURVEDA + INDIGENOUS MEDICINE university; named after Dr. P. WICKRAMARACHCHI — Ayurveda pioneer). Sri Lanka's premier AYURVEDA + INDIGENOUS MEDICINE university. Chartered 2007. Named after Dr. PARAKRAMA WICKRAMARACHCHI — Sri Lankan Ayurveda + indigenous medicine pioneer. ~2,000 students. AYURVEDA, Unani (Greek-Islamic), Siddha (Tamil), traditional Sri Lankan medical systems.

SubjectsMedicine & Health Sciences · Natural Sciences · Pharmacy · Engineering & Technology · Computer Science & IT · Natural Sciences · Mathematics & Statistics · International Relations

Accreditation

University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka (UGC / சர்வகலாசாலை மானியங்கள் ஆணைக்குழு / විශ්ව විද්‍යාල ප්‍රතිපාදන කොමිෂන් සභාව) — apex statutory body regulating Sri Lankan HEIs. Established under Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. Sri Lankan HE: (1) 17 UGC-approved NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — University of Colombo (1921 colonial heritage), Peradeniya (1942), Sri Jayewardenepura, Kelaniya, Moratuwa (engineering), Jaffna, Ruhuna, Eastern, South Eastern, Rajarata, Sabaragamuwa, Wayamba, Uva Wellassa, Visual + Performing Arts, Vavuniya, Buddhist + Pali, plus Open University (distance learning); (2) SPECIALISED INSTITUTIONS — General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, University of Vocational Technology, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine (Ayurveda); (3) NON-STATE UNIVERSITIES — SLIIT (IT), NSBM Green University, NIBM, APIIT, CINEC, Horizon Campus + others (regulated separately under Ministry of Higher Education). Sinhala + Tamil are national + official languages; English is link language + HE primary medium in major universities (medicine, engineering, IT, business). UGC admits via competitive Z-score exam — Sri Lankan public uni admission is among South Asia's MOST COMPETITIVE.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 1981 (chartered as Sri Lanka's national defence university; named after GENERAL SIR JOHN KOTELAWALA — Prime Minister 1953-1956, founder of Bandung Conference 1955). Sri Lanka's national defence university. Chartered 1981. Named after GENERAL SIR JOHN KOTELAWALA (1895-1980) — Prime Minister of Ceylon 1953-1956, FOUNDER of NON-ALIGNED MOVEMENT via 1955 BANDUNG CONFERENCE alongside Nehru + Nasser + Sukarno + Chou En-lai. ~5,000+ students (cadets + civilians). Strong medical training, military sciences, engineering.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Communication & Media Studies

Accreditation

University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka (UGC / சர்வகலாசாலை மானியங்கள் ஆணைக்குழு / විශ්ව විද්‍යාල ප්‍රතිපාදන කොමිෂන් සභාව) — apex statutory body regulating Sri Lankan HEIs. Established under Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. Sri Lankan HE: (1) 17 UGC-approved NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — University of Colombo (1921 colonial heritage), Peradeniya (1942), Sri Jayewardenepura, Kelaniya, Moratuwa (engineering), Jaffna, Ruhuna, Eastern, South Eastern, Rajarata, Sabaragamuwa, Wayamba, Uva Wellassa, Visual + Performing Arts, Vavuniya, Buddhist + Pali, plus Open University (distance learning); (2) SPECIALISED INSTITUTIONS — General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, University of Vocational Technology, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine (Ayurveda); (3) NON-STATE UNIVERSITIES — SLIIT (IT), NSBM Green University, NIBM, APIIT, CINEC, Horizon Campus + others (regulated separately under Ministry of Higher Education). Sinhala + Tamil are national + official languages; English is link language + HE primary medium in major universities (medicine, engineering, IT, business). UGC admits via competitive Z-score exam — Sri Lankan public uni admission is among South Asia's MOST COMPETITIVE.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 2006 (chartered as private IT + business university; UK university partnerships). Major Sri Lankan private university focused on IT + business + media. Founded 2006. ~5,000 students. UK university partnerships.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Computer Science & IT · Natural Sciences · Mathematics & Statistics

Accreditation

University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka (UGC / சர்வகலாசாலை மானியங்கள் ஆணைக்குழு / විශ්ව විද්‍යාල ප්‍රතිපාදන කොමිෂන් සභාව) — apex statutory body regulating Sri Lankan HEIs. Established under Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. Sri Lankan HE: (1) 17 UGC-approved NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — University of Colombo (1921 colonial heritage), Peradeniya (1942), Sri Jayewardenepura, Kelaniya, Moratuwa (engineering), Jaffna, Ruhuna, Eastern, South Eastern, Rajarata, Sabaragamuwa, Wayamba, Uva Wellassa, Visual + Performing Arts, Vavuniya, Buddhist + Pali, plus Open University (distance learning); (2) SPECIALISED INSTITUTIONS — General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, University of Vocational Technology, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine (Ayurveda); (3) NON-STATE UNIVERSITIES — SLIIT (IT), NSBM Green University, NIBM, APIIT, CINEC, Horizon Campus + others (regulated separately under Ministry of Higher Education). Sinhala + Tamil are national + official languages; English is link language + HE primary medium in major universities (medicine, engineering, IT, business). UGC admits via competitive Z-score exam — Sri Lankan public uni admission is among South Asia's MOST COMPETITIVE.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 1990 (chartered as private IT-focused institute; University of Westminster UK degree partnership 1995+). Major Sri Lankan private IT institute. Founded 1990. UNIVERSITY OF WESTMINSTER UK degree partnership since 1995 — among Sri Lanka's LONGEST-RUNNING international university partnerships. ~3,000+ students. Premier computing + software engineering.

SubjectsBusiness & Management · Computer Science & IT · Tourism

Accreditation

University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka (UGC / சர்வகலாசாலை மானியங்கள் ஆணைக்குழு / විශ්ව විද්‍යාල ප්‍රතිපාදන කොමිෂන් සභාව) — apex statutory body regulating Sri Lankan HEIs. Established under Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. Sri Lankan HE: (1) 17 UGC-approved NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — University of Colombo (1921 colonial heritage), Peradeniya (1942), Sri Jayewardenepura, Kelaniya, Moratuwa (engineering), Jaffna, Ruhuna, Eastern, South Eastern, Rajarata, Sabaragamuwa, Wayamba, Uva Wellassa, Visual + Performing Arts, Vavuniya, Buddhist + Pali, plus Open University (distance learning); (2) SPECIALISED INSTITUTIONS — General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, University of Vocational Technology, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine (Ayurveda); (3) NON-STATE UNIVERSITIES — SLIIT (IT), NSBM Green University, NIBM, APIIT, CINEC, Horizon Campus + others (regulated separately under Ministry of Higher Education). Sinhala + Tamil are national + official languages; English is link language + HE primary medium in major universities (medicine, engineering, IT, business). UGC admits via competitive Z-score exam — Sri Lankan public uni admission is among South Asia's MOST COMPETITIVE.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 1968 (chartered as Sri Lanka's national business management training institute; one of OLDEST private HE in Sri Lanka). Sri Lanka's national business management institute. Founded 1968 — one of OLDEST private HE in Sri Lanka. ~10,000+ students. Business + management + IT + tourism programmes. Multiple foreign university affiliations.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Computer Science & IT

Accreditation

University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka (UGC / சர்வகலாசாலை மானியங்கள் ஆணைக்குழு / විශ්ව විද්‍යාල ප්‍රතිපාදන කොමිෂන් සභාව) — apex statutory body regulating Sri Lankan HEIs. Established under Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. Sri Lankan HE: (1) 17 UGC-approved NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — University of Colombo (1921 colonial heritage), Peradeniya (1942), Sri Jayewardenepura, Kelaniya, Moratuwa (engineering), Jaffna, Ruhuna, Eastern, South Eastern, Rajarata, Sabaragamuwa, Wayamba, Uva Wellassa, Visual + Performing Arts, Vavuniya, Buddhist + Pali, plus Open University (distance learning); (2) SPECIALISED INSTITUTIONS — General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, University of Vocational Technology, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine (Ayurveda); (3) NON-STATE UNIVERSITIES — SLIIT (IT), NSBM Green University, NIBM, APIIT, CINEC, Horizon Campus + others (regulated separately under Ministry of Higher Education). Sinhala + Tamil are national + official languages; English is link language + HE primary medium in major universities (medicine, engineering, IT, business). UGC admits via competitive Z-score exam — Sri Lankan public uni admission is among South Asia's MOST COMPETITIVE.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 2013 (chartered as Sri Lanka's "first green university" with sustainable architecture campus; UK + Australian degree partnerships). Sri Lanka's "first green university" with sustainable architecture campus. Founded 2013. ~12,000+ students. UK + Australian degree partnerships. Modern eco-friendly architecture campus designed by South Asian architects. Strong business + computing programmes.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Theology & Religious Studies · Medicine & Health Sciences

Accreditation

University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka (UGC / சர்வகலாசாலை மானியங்கள் ஆணைக்குழு / විශ්ව විද්‍යාල ප්‍රතිපාදන කොමිෂන් සභාව) — apex statutory body regulating Sri Lankan HEIs. Established under Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. Sri Lankan HE: (1) 17 UGC-approved NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — University of Colombo (1921 colonial heritage), Peradeniya (1942), Sri Jayewardenepura, Kelaniya, Moratuwa (engineering), Jaffna, Ruhuna, Eastern, South Eastern, Rajarata, Sabaragamuwa, Wayamba, Uva Wellassa, Visual + Performing Arts, Vavuniya, Buddhist + Pali, plus Open University (distance learning); (2) SPECIALISED INSTITUTIONS — General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, University of Vocational Technology, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine (Ayurveda); (3) NON-STATE UNIVERSITIES — SLIIT (IT), NSBM Green University, NIBM, APIIT, CINEC, Horizon Campus + others (regulated separately under Ministry of Higher Education). Sinhala + Tamil are national + official languages; English is link language + HE primary medium in major universities (medicine, engineering, IT, business). UGC admits via competitive Z-score exam — Sri Lankan public uni admission is among South Asia's MOST COMPETITIVE.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 1996 (chartered as Sri Lanka's historic-cultural university; located in MIHINTALE — site of Buddhism's introduction to Sri Lanka 247 BCE; "Rajarata" = ancient northern Sinhalese kingdom). Major Sri Lankan public university located on SACRED BUDDHIST SITE. Chartered 1996. Located in MIHINTALE — historic site where ARAHAT MAHINDA (son of Mauryan Emperor ASHOKA) introduced BUDDHISM TO SRI LANKA in 247 BCE — Sri Lankan Buddhist civilization's birthplace. "RAJARATA" (රජරට) = ANCIENT NORTHERN SINHALESE KINGDOM (capital ANURADHAPURA, 4th century BCE - 11th century CE). ~9,000+ students.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Mining & Geology

Accreditation

University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka (UGC / சர்வகலாசாலை மானியங்கள் ஆணைக்குழு / විශ්ව විද්‍යාල ප්‍රතිපාදන කොමිෂන් සභාව) — apex statutory body regulating Sri Lankan HEIs. Established under Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. Sri Lankan HE: (1) 17 UGC-approved NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — University of Colombo (1921 colonial heritage), Peradeniya (1942), Sri Jayewardenepura, Kelaniya, Moratuwa (engineering), Jaffna, Ruhuna, Eastern, South Eastern, Rajarata, Sabaragamuwa, Wayamba, Uva Wellassa, Visual + Performing Arts, Vavuniya, Buddhist + Pali, plus Open University (distance learning); (2) SPECIALISED INSTITUTIONS — General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, University of Vocational Technology, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine (Ayurveda); (3) NON-STATE UNIVERSITIES — SLIIT (IT), NSBM Green University, NIBM, APIIT, CINEC, Horizon Campus + others (regulated separately under Ministry of Higher Education). Sinhala + Tamil are national + official languages; English is link language + HE primary medium in major universities (medicine, engineering, IT, business). UGC admits via competitive Z-score exam — Sri Lankan public uni admission is among South Asia's MOST COMPETITIVE.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 1995 (chartered as Sabaragamuwa Province regional university; located in scenic central highlands; gem mining heritage area). Major Sri Lankan public university serving Sabaragamuwa Province. Chartered 1995. Located in BELIHULOYA — SCENIC CENTRAL HIGHLANDS. Sabaragamuwa Province is Sri Lanka's GEM MINING HERITAGE AREA (sapphires, rubies, garnets globally famous; Sri Lanka was historically called "Serendib" by Arab traders for its gems — origin of English word "serendipity"). ~6,000+ students.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Theology & Religious Studies · Languages & Linguistics

Accreditation

University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka (UGC / சர்வகலாசாலை மானியங்கள் ஆணைக்குழு / විශ්ව විද්‍යාල ප්‍රතිපාදන කොමිෂන් සභාව) — apex statutory body regulating Sri Lankan HEIs. Established under Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. Sri Lankan HE: (1) 17 UGC-approved NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — University of Colombo (1921 colonial heritage), Peradeniya (1942), Sri Jayewardenepura, Kelaniya, Moratuwa (engineering), Jaffna, Ruhuna, Eastern, South Eastern, Rajarata, Sabaragamuwa, Wayamba, Uva Wellassa, Visual + Performing Arts, Vavuniya, Buddhist + Pali, plus Open University (distance learning); (2) SPECIALISED INSTITUTIONS — General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, University of Vocational Technology, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine (Ayurveda); (3) NON-STATE UNIVERSITIES — SLIIT (IT), NSBM Green University, NIBM, APIIT, CINEC, Horizon Campus + others (regulated separately under Ministry of Higher Education). Sinhala + Tamil are national + official languages; English is link language + HE primary medium in major universities (medicine, engineering, IT, business). UGC admits via competitive Z-score exam — Sri Lankan public uni admission is among South Asia's MOST COMPETITIVE.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 1995 (chartered as Sri Lanka's only MUSLIM-majority public university; serves Muslim community concentrated in Eastern + Western Provinces; Oluvil is Muslim majority town). UNIQUE — SRI LANKA'S ONLY MUSLIM-MAJORITY PUBLIC UNIVERSITY. Chartered 1995. Located in OLUVIL — Muslim-majority town in Eastern Province's Ampara District. Serves Sri Lanka's Muslim community (~10% of population, concentrated in Eastern + Western Provinces). ~7,000+ students. ENGLISH-MEDIUM primary + Arabic + Tamil + Sinhala. Strong Islamic studies + Arabic + Sharia + management.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Computer Science & IT · Natural Sciences · Mathematics & Statistics · Business & Management

Accreditation

University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka (UGC / சர்வகலாசாலை மானியங்கள் ஆணைக்குழு / විශ්ව විද්‍යාල ප්‍රතිපාදන කොමිෂන් සභාව) — apex statutory body regulating Sri Lankan HEIs. Established under Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. Sri Lankan HE: (1) 17 UGC-approved NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — University of Colombo (1921 colonial heritage), Peradeniya (1942), Sri Jayewardenepura, Kelaniya, Moratuwa (engineering), Jaffna, Ruhuna, Eastern, South Eastern, Rajarata, Sabaragamuwa, Wayamba, Uva Wellassa, Visual + Performing Arts, Vavuniya, Buddhist + Pali, plus Open University (distance learning); (2) SPECIALISED INSTITUTIONS — General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, University of Vocational Technology, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine (Ayurveda); (3) NON-STATE UNIVERSITIES — SLIIT (IT), NSBM Green University, NIBM, APIIT, CINEC, Horizon Campus + others (regulated separately under Ministry of Higher Education). Sinhala + Tamil are national + official languages; English is link language + HE primary medium in major universities (medicine, engineering, IT, business). UGC admits via competitive Z-score exam — Sri Lankan public uni admission is among South Asia's MOST COMPETITIVE.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 1999 (chartered as Sri Lanka's first major private IT-focused university; affiliated with Curtin Australia + Liverpool John Moores UK + others). SRI LANKA'S FIRST MAJOR PRIVATE IT-FOCUSED UNIVERSITY. Founded 1999. ~15,000+ students. Multiple foreign university affiliations: Curtin University Australia, Liverpool John Moores UK, William Angliss Australia. Premier Sri Lankan IT + computing pipeline serving large Sri Lankan tech outsourcing industry.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Engineering & Technology

Accreditation

University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka (UGC / சர்வகலாசாலை மானியங்கள் ஆணைக்குழு / විශ්ව විද්‍යාල ප්‍රතිපාදන කොමිෂන් සභාව) — apex statutory body regulating Sri Lankan HEIs. Established under Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. Sri Lankan HE: (1) 17 UGC-approved NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — University of Colombo (1921 colonial heritage), Peradeniya (1942), Sri Jayewardenepura, Kelaniya, Moratuwa (engineering), Jaffna, Ruhuna, Eastern, South Eastern, Rajarata, Sabaragamuwa, Wayamba, Uva Wellassa, Visual + Performing Arts, Vavuniya, Buddhist + Pali, plus Open University (distance learning); (2) SPECIALISED INSTITUTIONS — General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, University of Vocational Technology, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine (Ayurveda); (3) NON-STATE UNIVERSITIES — SLIIT (IT), NSBM Green University, NIBM, APIIT, CINEC, Horizon Campus + others (regulated separately under Ministry of Higher Education). Sinhala + Tamil are national + official languages; English is link language + HE primary medium in major universities (medicine, engineering, IT, business). UGC admits via competitive Z-score exam — Sri Lankan public uni admission is among South Asia's MOST COMPETITIVE.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 1980 (chartered as Sri Lanka's national distance learning + open university — modeled on UK Open University; serves working adults + non-traditional students). Sri Lanka's national distance learning university. Chartered 1980 modeled on UK Open University. ~30,000+ students (LARGEST Sri Lankan university by enrolment). Multiple regional centers across Sri Lanka. Serves working adults + non-traditional learners + students in remote/conflict-affected areas. ENGLISH-MEDIUM.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Medicine & Health Sciences · Pharmacy

Accreditation

University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka (UGC / சர்வகலாசாலை மானியங்கள் ஆணைக்குழு / විශ්ව විද්‍යාල ප්‍රතිපාදන කොමිෂන් සභාව) — apex statutory body regulating Sri Lankan HEIs. Established under Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. Sri Lankan HE: (1) 17 UGC-approved NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — University of Colombo (1921 colonial heritage), Peradeniya (1942), Sri Jayewardenepura, Kelaniya, Moratuwa (engineering), Jaffna, Ruhuna, Eastern, South Eastern, Rajarata, Sabaragamuwa, Wayamba, Uva Wellassa, Visual + Performing Arts, Vavuniya, Buddhist + Pali, plus Open University (distance learning); (2) SPECIALISED INSTITUTIONS — General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, University of Vocational Technology, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine (Ayurveda); (3) NON-STATE UNIVERSITIES — SLIIT (IT), NSBM Green University, NIBM, APIIT, CINEC, Horizon Campus + others (regulated separately under Ministry of Higher Education). Sinhala + Tamil are national + official languages; English is link language + HE primary medium in major universities (medicine, engineering, IT, business). UGC admits via competitive Z-score exam — Sri Lankan public uni admission is among South Asia's MOST COMPETITIVE.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 1921 (chartered as Ceylon University College affiliated with University of London; full University of Ceylon 1942; renamed University of Colombo 1972 after Sri Lanka renaming; SRI LANKA'S OLDEST modern university). SRI LANKA'S OLDEST AND PREMIER NATIONAL UNIVERSITY. Founded 1921 as CEYLON UNIVERSITY COLLEGE affiliated with UNIVERSITY OF LONDON (UK external degree model — same as McGill, Sydney, NUS Singapore in colonial era). Full UNIVERSITY OF CEYLON chartered 1942. Renamed UNIVERSITY OF COLOMBO 1972 after Ceylon → Sri Lanka renaming. ~10,000+ students. 9 faculties including Sri Lanka's premier medical school (Faculty of Medicine, founded 1870 Ceylon Medical College — pre-dates the university). Strong law + medicine + science. Pakistani + Indian + African + Maldivian international student community.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Medicine & Health Sciences · Agriculture & Environmental Studies

Accreditation

University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka (UGC / சர்வகலாசாலை மானியங்கள் ஆணைக்குழு / විශ්ව විද්‍යාල ප්‍රතිපාදන කොමිෂන් සභාව) — apex statutory body regulating Sri Lankan HEIs. Established under Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. Sri Lankan HE: (1) 17 UGC-approved NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — University of Colombo (1921 colonial heritage), Peradeniya (1942), Sri Jayewardenepura, Kelaniya, Moratuwa (engineering), Jaffna, Ruhuna, Eastern, South Eastern, Rajarata, Sabaragamuwa, Wayamba, Uva Wellassa, Visual + Performing Arts, Vavuniya, Buddhist + Pali, plus Open University (distance learning); (2) SPECIALISED INSTITUTIONS — General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, University of Vocational Technology, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine (Ayurveda); (3) NON-STATE UNIVERSITIES — SLIIT (IT), NSBM Green University, NIBM, APIIT, CINEC, Horizon Campus + others (regulated separately under Ministry of Higher Education). Sinhala + Tamil are national + official languages; English is link language + HE primary medium in major universities (medicine, engineering, IT, business). UGC admits via competitive Z-score exam — Sri Lankan public uni admission is among South Asia's MOST COMPETITIVE.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 1974 (chartered as Jaffna Campus of University of Sri Lanka; full University of Jaffna 1979; serves Tamil-majority Northern Province; CIVIL WAR DEVASTATION + post-2009 reconstruction). Major Sri Lankan public university serving Tamil-majority Northern Province. Chartered 1974 as Jaffna Campus. Full University of Jaffna 1979. ~10,000+ students. PRIMARILY TAMIL-MEDIUM (with English) — major institution for Sri Lankan Tamil HE. CRITICAL HONEST CONTEXT: University of Jaffna suffered MASSIVELY during 1983-2009 CIVIL WAR — campus repeatedly closed, hundreds of students + faculty killed/displaced, infrastructure destroyed, academic freedom severely impacted. Post-2009 reconstruction ongoing. Symbol of Tamil community's educational resilience.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Theology & Religious Studies · Languages & Linguistics

Accreditation

University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka (UGC / சர்வகலாசாலை மானியங்கள் ஆணைக்குழு / විශ්ව විද්‍යාල ප්‍රතිපාදන කොමිෂන් සභාව) — apex statutory body regulating Sri Lankan HEIs. Established under Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. Sri Lankan HE: (1) 17 UGC-approved NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — University of Colombo (1921 colonial heritage), Peradeniya (1942), Sri Jayewardenepura, Kelaniya, Moratuwa (engineering), Jaffna, Ruhuna, Eastern, South Eastern, Rajarata, Sabaragamuwa, Wayamba, Uva Wellassa, Visual + Performing Arts, Vavuniya, Buddhist + Pali, plus Open University (distance learning); (2) SPECIALISED INSTITUTIONS — General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, University of Vocational Technology, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine (Ayurveda); (3) NON-STATE UNIVERSITIES — SLIIT (IT), NSBM Green University, NIBM, APIIT, CINEC, Horizon Campus + others (regulated separately under Ministry of Higher Education). Sinhala + Tamil are national + official languages; English is link language + HE primary medium in major universities (medicine, engineering, IT, business). UGC admits via competitive Z-score exam — Sri Lankan public uni admission is among South Asia's MOST COMPETITIVE.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 1959 (chartered as Vidyalankara Pirivena — ancient Buddhist monastic college 1875; full university 1959; located near KELANIYA RAJA MAHA VIHARAYA — Buddhist temple believed to have hosted Buddha's visit). Major Sri Lankan public university with BUDDHIST MONASTIC HERITAGE. Heritage to 1875 VIDYALANKARA PIRIVENA — one of Sri Lanka's ANCIENT BUDDHIST MONASTIC COLLEGES. Full university 1959. Located near KELANIYA RAJA MAHA VIHARAYA — Buddhist temple believed by Sri Lankan Buddhists to have hosted Buddha's visit during his third visit to Sri Lanka. ~13,000+ students. Strong humanities + social sciences + Sinhala-Pali language studies.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Computer Science & IT · Natural Sciences · Mathematics & Statistics · Architecture & Design · Medicine & Health Sciences

Accreditation

University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka (UGC / சர்வகலாசாலை மானியங்கள் ஆணைக்குழு / විශ්ව විද්‍යාල ප්‍රතිපාදන කොමිෂන් සභාව) — apex statutory body regulating Sri Lankan HEIs. Established under Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. Sri Lankan HE: (1) 17 UGC-approved NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — University of Colombo (1921 colonial heritage), Peradeniya (1942), Sri Jayewardenepura, Kelaniya, Moratuwa (engineering), Jaffna, Ruhuna, Eastern, South Eastern, Rajarata, Sabaragamuwa, Wayamba, Uva Wellassa, Visual + Performing Arts, Vavuniya, Buddhist + Pali, plus Open University (distance learning); (2) SPECIALISED INSTITUTIONS — General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, University of Vocational Technology, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine (Ayurveda); (3) NON-STATE UNIVERSITIES — SLIIT (IT), NSBM Green University, NIBM, APIIT, CINEC, Horizon Campus + others (regulated separately under Ministry of Higher Education). Sinhala + Tamil are national + official languages; English is link language + HE primary medium in major universities (medicine, engineering, IT, business). UGC admits via competitive Z-score exam — Sri Lankan public uni admission is among South Asia's MOST COMPETITIVE.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 1972 (chartered as Sri Lanka's premier engineering university; heritage to 1893 Ceylon Technical College + 1966 Katubedda Campus engineering). SRI LANKA'S PREMIER ENGINEERING UNIVERSITY. Chartered 1972. Heritage to 1893 CEYLON TECHNICAL COLLEGE — one of South Asia's OLDEST engineering colleges. 1966 Katubedda Campus full engineering. ~10,000+ students. 6 faculties: Engineering, Architecture, Information Technology, Business, Graduate Studies, Medicine. Premier Sri Lankan engineering + architecture training. Major international Engineering graduate pipeline.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Medicine & Health Sciences · Agriculture & Environmental Studies

Accreditation

University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka (UGC / சர்வகலாசாலை மானியங்கள் ஆணைக்குழு / විශ්ව විද්‍යාල ප්‍රතිපාදන කොමිෂන් සභාව) — apex statutory body regulating Sri Lankan HEIs. Established under Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. Sri Lankan HE: (1) 17 UGC-approved NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — University of Colombo (1921 colonial heritage), Peradeniya (1942), Sri Jayewardenepura, Kelaniya, Moratuwa (engineering), Jaffna, Ruhuna, Eastern, South Eastern, Rajarata, Sabaragamuwa, Wayamba, Uva Wellassa, Visual + Performing Arts, Vavuniya, Buddhist + Pali, plus Open University (distance learning); (2) SPECIALISED INSTITUTIONS — General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, University of Vocational Technology, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine (Ayurveda); (3) NON-STATE UNIVERSITIES — SLIIT (IT), NSBM Green University, NIBM, APIIT, CINEC, Horizon Campus + others (regulated separately under Ministry of Higher Education). Sinhala + Tamil are national + official languages; English is link language + HE primary medium in major universities (medicine, engineering, IT, business). UGC admits via competitive Z-score exam — Sri Lankan public uni admission is among South Asia's MOST COMPETITIVE.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 1942 (chartered as University of Ceylon at Peradeniya by D.S. Senanayake government; designed as Sri Lanka's premier research university in beautiful Kandy hill country setting). Major Sri Lankan public university — academically prestigious among Sri Lanka's TOP-RANKED. Chartered 1942 by Prime Minister D.S. SENANAYAKE government as University of Ceylon at Peradeniya. Designed as Sri Lanka's premier research university in BEAUTIFUL KANDY HILL COUNTRY setting (1,250 acres). ~13,000+ students. 9 faculties including Faculty of Medicine + Faculty of Engineering + Faculty of Veterinary Medicine + Faculty of Agriculture — Sri Lanka's premier agricultural + veterinary training. PAKISTANI MBBS context: significant Pakistani students in Faculty of Medicine.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Medicine & Health Sciences · Marine Sciences

Accreditation

University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka (UGC / சர்வகலாசாலை மானியங்கள் ஆணைக்குழு / විශ්ව විද්‍යාල ප්‍රතිපාදන කොමිෂන් සභාව) — apex statutory body regulating Sri Lankan HEIs. Established under Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. Sri Lankan HE: (1) 17 UGC-approved NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — University of Colombo (1921 colonial heritage), Peradeniya (1942), Sri Jayewardenepura, Kelaniya, Moratuwa (engineering), Jaffna, Ruhuna, Eastern, South Eastern, Rajarata, Sabaragamuwa, Wayamba, Uva Wellassa, Visual + Performing Arts, Vavuniya, Buddhist + Pali, plus Open University (distance learning); (2) SPECIALISED INSTITUTIONS — General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, University of Vocational Technology, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine (Ayurveda); (3) NON-STATE UNIVERSITIES — SLIIT (IT), NSBM Green University, NIBM, APIIT, CINEC, Horizon Campus + others (regulated separately under Ministry of Higher Education). Sinhala + Tamil are national + official languages; English is link language + HE primary medium in major universities (medicine, engineering, IT, business). UGC admits via competitive Z-score exam — Sri Lankan public uni admission is among South Asia's MOST COMPETITIVE.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 1978 (chartered as Ruhuna University College; full university 1984; "Ruhuna" = ancient southern Sri Lankan kingdom; serves southern Sri Lanka). Major Sri Lankan public university serving Southern Province. Chartered 1978 as Ruhuna University College. Full university 1984. "RUHUNA" (රුහුණු) = ANCIENT SOUTHERN SRI LANKAN KINGDOM (one of three traditional regions: Pihiti north + Maya central + Ruhuna south). ~12,000+ students. Faculty of Medicine. CRITICAL: located in Matara — 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami devastated southern coast severely.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Medicine & Health Sciences · Theology & Religious Studies

Accreditation

University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka (UGC / சர்வகலாசாலை மானியங்கள் ஆணைக்குழு / විශ්ව විද්‍යාල ප්‍රතිපාදන කොමිෂන් සභාව) — apex statutory body regulating Sri Lankan HEIs. Established under Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. Sri Lankan HE: (1) 17 UGC-approved NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — University of Colombo (1921 colonial heritage), Peradeniya (1942), Sri Jayewardenepura, Kelaniya, Moratuwa (engineering), Jaffna, Ruhuna, Eastern, South Eastern, Rajarata, Sabaragamuwa, Wayamba, Uva Wellassa, Visual + Performing Arts, Vavuniya, Buddhist + Pali, plus Open University (distance learning); (2) SPECIALISED INSTITUTIONS — General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, University of Vocational Technology, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine (Ayurveda); (3) NON-STATE UNIVERSITIES — SLIIT (IT), NSBM Green University, NIBM, APIIT, CINEC, Horizon Campus + others (regulated separately under Ministry of Higher Education). Sinhala + Tamil are national + official languages; English is link language + HE primary medium in major universities (medicine, engineering, IT, business). UGC admits via competitive Z-score exam — Sri Lankan public uni admission is among South Asia's MOST COMPETITIVE.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 1959 (chartered as Vidyodaya Pirivena, ancient Buddhist monastic college; full Vidyodaya University 1959; renamed Sri Jayewardenepura 1978 after Sri Lanka's administrative capital; HERITAGE TO 1873 VIDYODAYA PIRIVENA Buddhist monastic college). Major Sri Lankan public university with BUDDHIST MONASTIC HERITAGE. Heritage to 1873 VIDYODAYA PIRIVENA — one of Sri Lanka's ANCIENT BUDDHIST MONASTIC COLLEGES founded during Buddhist revival period under British colonial rule. Full Vidyodaya University 1959. Renamed SRI JAYEWARDENEPURA 1978 after Sri Lanka's administrative capital city. ~13,000+ students. Strong management + medical sciences + applied sciences.

SubjectsArts & Humanities · Architecture & Design

Accreditation

University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka (UGC / சர்வகலாசாலை மானியங்கள் ஆணைக்குழு / විශ්ව විද්‍යාල ප්‍රතිපාදන කොමිෂන් සභාව) — apex statutory body regulating Sri Lankan HEIs. Established under Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. Sri Lankan HE: (1) 17 UGC-approved NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — University of Colombo (1921 colonial heritage), Peradeniya (1942), Sri Jayewardenepura, Kelaniya, Moratuwa (engineering), Jaffna, Ruhuna, Eastern, South Eastern, Rajarata, Sabaragamuwa, Wayamba, Uva Wellassa, Visual + Performing Arts, Vavuniya, Buddhist + Pali, plus Open University (distance learning); (2) SPECIALISED INSTITUTIONS — General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, University of Vocational Technology, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine (Ayurveda); (3) NON-STATE UNIVERSITIES — SLIIT (IT), NSBM Green University, NIBM, APIIT, CINEC, Horizon Campus + others (regulated separately under Ministry of Higher Education). Sinhala + Tamil are national + official languages; English is link language + HE primary medium in major universities (medicine, engineering, IT, business). UGC admits via competitive Z-score exam — Sri Lankan public uni admission is among South Asia's MOST COMPETITIVE.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 2005 (chartered as Sri Lanka's premier national arts university; heritage to Government College of Fine Arts 1893). Sri Lanka's premier national arts university. Chartered 2005. Heritage to 1893 GOVERNMENT COLLEGE OF FINE ARTS Colombo. ~3,000 students. Visual arts, music, dance, drama, sculpture, traditional Sri Lankan arts.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT

Accreditation

University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka (UGC / சர்வகலாசாலை மானியங்கள் ஆணைக்குழு / විශ්ව විද්‍යාල ප්‍රතිපාදන කොමිෂන් සභාව) — apex statutory body regulating Sri Lankan HEIs. Established under Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. Sri Lankan HE: (1) 17 UGC-approved NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — University of Colombo (1921 colonial heritage), Peradeniya (1942), Sri Jayewardenepura, Kelaniya, Moratuwa (engineering), Jaffna, Ruhuna, Eastern, South Eastern, Rajarata, Sabaragamuwa, Wayamba, Uva Wellassa, Visual + Performing Arts, Vavuniya, Buddhist + Pali, plus Open University (distance learning); (2) SPECIALISED INSTITUTIONS — General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, University of Vocational Technology, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine (Ayurveda); (3) NON-STATE UNIVERSITIES — SLIIT (IT), NSBM Green University, NIBM, APIIT, CINEC, Horizon Campus + others (regulated separately under Ministry of Higher Education). Sinhala + Tamil are national + official languages; English is link language + HE primary medium in major universities (medicine, engineering, IT, business). UGC admits via competitive Z-score exam — Sri Lankan public uni admission is among South Asia's MOST COMPETITIVE.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 2021 (chartered as Sri Lanka's NEWEST university — upgraded from Vavuniya Campus of University of Jaffna; serves war-affected Northern Province). Sri Lanka's NEWEST university. Chartered 2021 — upgraded from Vavuniya Campus of University of Jaffna. Serves WAR-AFFECTED Northern Province + Tamil community. ~3,000 students. Symbol of post-conflict HE expansion.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Computer Science & IT · Natural Sciences · Mathematics & Statistics · Business & Management

Accreditation

University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka (UGC / சர்வகலாசாலை மானியங்கள் ஆணைக்குழு / විශ්ව විද්‍යාල ප්‍රතිපාදන කොමිෂන් සභාව) — apex statutory body regulating Sri Lankan HEIs. Established under Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. Sri Lankan HE: (1) 17 UGC-approved NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — University of Colombo (1921 colonial heritage), Peradeniya (1942), Sri Jayewardenepura, Kelaniya, Moratuwa (engineering), Jaffna, Ruhuna, Eastern, South Eastern, Rajarata, Sabaragamuwa, Wayamba, Uva Wellassa, Visual + Performing Arts, Vavuniya, Buddhist + Pali, plus Open University (distance learning); (2) SPECIALISED INSTITUTIONS — General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, University of Vocational Technology, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine (Ayurveda); (3) NON-STATE UNIVERSITIES — SLIIT (IT), NSBM Green University, NIBM, APIIT, CINEC, Horizon Campus + others (regulated separately under Ministry of Higher Education). Sinhala + Tamil are national + official languages; English is link language + HE primary medium in major universities (medicine, engineering, IT, business). UGC admits via competitive Z-score exam — Sri Lankan public uni admission is among South Asia's MOST COMPETITIVE.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 2009 (chartered as Sri Lanka's national vocational technology university; technical pipeline). Sri Lanka's national vocational technology university. Chartered 2009. Technical pipeline for Sri Lankan industry. ~3,000 students.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Agriculture & Environmental Studies

Accreditation

University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka (UGC / சர்வகலாசாலை மானியங்கள் ஆணைக்குழு / විශ්ව විද්‍යාල ප්‍රතිපාදන කොමිෂන් සභාව) — apex statutory body regulating Sri Lankan HEIs. Established under Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. Sri Lankan HE: (1) 17 UGC-approved NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — University of Colombo (1921 colonial heritage), Peradeniya (1942), Sri Jayewardenepura, Kelaniya, Moratuwa (engineering), Jaffna, Ruhuna, Eastern, South Eastern, Rajarata, Sabaragamuwa, Wayamba, Uva Wellassa, Visual + Performing Arts, Vavuniya, Buddhist + Pali, plus Open University (distance learning); (2) SPECIALISED INSTITUTIONS — General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, University of Vocational Technology, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine (Ayurveda); (3) NON-STATE UNIVERSITIES — SLIIT (IT), NSBM Green University, NIBM, APIIT, CINEC, Horizon Campus + others (regulated separately under Ministry of Higher Education). Sinhala + Tamil are national + official languages; English is link language + HE primary medium in major universities (medicine, engineering, IT, business). UGC admits via competitive Z-score exam — Sri Lankan public uni admission is among South Asia's MOST COMPETITIVE.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 2005 (chartered as entrepreneurship + value-added agriculture focused university; located in Uva Province tea country). Sri Lankan entrepreneurship-focused public university. Chartered 2005. Located in BADULLA — UVA PROVINCE TEA COUNTRY (Sri Lanka's premier tea-growing region — Ceylon tea is global brand). ~5,000 students. Focus on value-added agriculture + entrepreneurship.

SubjectsEngineering & Technology · Natural Sciences · Business & Management · Arts & Humanities · Social Sciences · Law · Computer Science & IT · Agriculture & Environmental Studies

Accreditation

University Grants Commission of Sri Lanka (UGC / சர்வகலாசாலை மானியங்கள் ஆணைக்குழு / විශ්ව විද්‍යාල ප්‍රතිපාදන කොමිෂන් සභාව) — apex statutory body regulating Sri Lankan HEIs. Established under Universities Act No. 16 of 1978. Sri Lankan HE: (1) 17 UGC-approved NATIONAL UNIVERSITIES — University of Colombo (1921 colonial heritage), Peradeniya (1942), Sri Jayewardenepura, Kelaniya, Moratuwa (engineering), Jaffna, Ruhuna, Eastern, South Eastern, Rajarata, Sabaragamuwa, Wayamba, Uva Wellassa, Visual + Performing Arts, Vavuniya, Buddhist + Pali, plus Open University (distance learning); (2) SPECIALISED INSTITUTIONS — General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, University of Vocational Technology, Gampaha Wickramarachchi University of Indigenous Medicine (Ayurveda); (3) NON-STATE UNIVERSITIES — SLIIT (IT), NSBM Green University, NIBM, APIIT, CINEC, Horizon Campus + others (regulated separately under Ministry of Higher Education). Sinhala + Tamil are national + official languages; English is link language + HE primary medium in major universities (medicine, engineering, IT, business). UGC admits via competitive Z-score exam — Sri Lankan public uni admission is among South Asia's MOST COMPETITIVE.. Verify on the public registry · last verified 2026-05-16.

Founded 1999 (chartered as North Western Province regional university; agricultural + livestock focus serving coconut triangle). Major Sri Lankan public university serving North Western Province. Chartered 1999. Agricultural + livestock focus serving SRI LANKA'S COCONUT TRIANGLE (coconut is Sri Lanka's major agricultural export alongside tea + rubber). ~5,000+ students.