University of Peradeniya

The University of Peradeniya is the heir to the oldest university tradition in Sri Lanka as the successor to the University of Ceylon, the first institution of its kind in the country. Its founding on July 1, 1942 as an autonomous corporation was the fulfillment of hopes and expectations of many who had been campaigning for a university in this country. It is located on a site of great natural beauty, just 8km from the city of Kandy - the historic capital of last independent kingdom of Sri Lanka, and 100km from Colombo, the current capital of the country. The university covers about 700 hectares of land located on the flood plain of Mahaweli river as well as on the lower slopes of the Hantana range. The developed area, known as the University Park, is about 150 hectares while the rest of the land remains afforested. The university consists of seven academic faculties. About 1800 undergraduates enter the university annually, to make up an undergraduate student population of 6600, and the total number of postgraduate students registered is over 1200. Out of the total undergraduate student population, about 5100 are provided accommodation on and around campus. The University celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 1992.