The history of Sri Lankan universities reflects the country’s intellectual and educational development from colonial times to the present. Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) has a long tradition of learning, dating back to ancient Buddhist monastic education. However, the modern university system began under British colonial rule and has since grown into a network of public and private institutions offering a wide range of academic programs.
Ancient and Colonial Roots
Education in Sri Lanka has ancient roots, especially tied to Buddhist temples and monasteries like Mahavihara in Anuradhapura and Abhayagiri, which served as centers of learning for centuries. However, the modern higher education system was introduced during the British colonial period, influenced by the British university model.
In 1870, Ceylon Medical School was established, marking the beginning of modern tertiary education. It eventually became the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ceylon. Over the next few decades, several professional colleges were established in fields such as law, agriculture, and engineering.
University of Ceylon: The First University (1942)
The most significant milestone came in 1942, when the University of Ceylon was established in Colombo. This was the first full-fledged university in Sri Lanka, and it brought together various existing colleges under one umbrella. Sir Ivor Jennings, a British academic, was appointed the first Vice-Chancellor. The university was later shifted to Peradeniya in 1952, becoming the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya, the country’s first residential university modeled on Oxford and Cambridge.
The University of Ceylon had multiple campuses, and over time, they began to function more independently.
Expansion and Diversification (1970s–1990s)
In 1972, under the University of Ceylon Act No. 1, all universities were merged into a single entity known as the University of Sri Lanka. However, this centralized model was short-lived and faced criticism for bureaucratic inefficiency. In 1978, the system was de-centralized again through the Universities Act No. 16, and several independent universities were established:
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University of Colombo
-
University of Peradeniya
-
University of Sri Jayewardenepura
-
University of Kelaniya
-
University of Moratuwa
-
University of Jaffna
-
University of Ruhuna
-
Open University of Sri Lanka
This era also saw the development of technical and professional education, particularly in engineering, technology, and medicine.
Modern Era: Growth, Challenges, and Reforms (2000s–Present)
In the 21st century, Sri Lanka’s university system has expanded significantly to meet growing demand. Today, there are 17 public universities governed by the University Grants Commission (UGC), which regulates and funds higher education institutions. Newer universities include:
-
Wayamba University of Sri Lanka
-
Uva Wellassa University
-
Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka
-
Eastern University of Sri Lanka
-
South Eastern University of Sri Lanka
There is also a growing number of private institutions and foreign university branches, although public universities still dominate the landscape.
Modern universities in Sri Lanka face several challenges: limited resources, outdated curricula, graduate unemployment, and political interference. However, there are ongoing reforms to improve quality assurance, promote research, and encourage international collaboration.
Conclusion
The history of Sri Lankan universities is a testament to the country’s enduring commitment to education. From ancient Buddhist learning centers to a modern university system, Sri Lanka has made significant strides in higher education. With further investment and reform, its universities are poised to play a crucial role in national development and global academic engagement. reflects the country’s intellectual and educational development from colonial times to the present. Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) has a long tradition of learning, dating back to ancient Buddhist monastic education. However, the modern university system began under British colonial rule and has since grown into a network of public and private institutions offering a wide range of academic programs.Ancient and Colonial Roots
Education in Sri Lanka has ancient roots, especially tied to Buddhist temples and monasteries like Mahavihara in Anuradhapura and Abhayagiri, which served as centers of learning for centuries. However, the modern higher education system was introduced during the British colonial period, influenced by the British university model.
In 1870, Ceylon Medical School was established, marking the beginning of modern tertiary education. It eventually became the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Ceylon. Over the next few decades, several professional colleges were established in fields such as law, agriculture, and engineering.
University of Ceylon: The First University (1942)
The most significant milestone came in 1942, when the University of Ceylon was established in Colombo. This was the first full-fledged university in Sri Lanka, and it brought together various existing colleges under one umbrella. Sir Ivor Jennings, a British academic, was appointed the first Vice-Chancellor. The university was later shifted to Peradeniya in 1952, becoming the University of Ceylon, Peradeniya, the country’s first residential university modeled on Oxford and Cambridge.
The University of Ceylon had multiple campuses, and over time, they began to function more independently.
Expansion and Diversification (1970s–1990s)
In 1972, under the University of Ceylon Act No. 1, all universities were merged into a single entity known as the University of Sri Lanka. However, this centralized model was short-lived and faced criticism for bureaucratic inefficiency. In 1978, the system was de-centralized again through the Universities Act No. 16, and several independent universities were established:
-
University of Colombo
-
University of Peradeniya
-
University of Sri Jayewardenepura
-
University of Kelaniya
-
University of Moratuwa
-
University of Jaffna
-
University of Ruhuna
-
Open University of Sri Lanka
This era also saw the development of technical and professional education, particularly in engineering, technology, and medicine.
Modern Era: Growth, Challenges, and Reforms (2000s–Present)
In the 21st century, Sri Lanka’s university system has expanded significantly to meet growing demand. Today, there are 17 public universities governed by the University Grants Commission (UGC), which regulates and funds higher education institutions. Newer universities include:
-
Wayamba University of Sri Lanka
-
Uva Wellassa University
-
Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka
-
Eastern University of Sri Lanka
-
South Eastern University of Sri Lanka
There is also a growing number of private institutions and foreign university branches, although public universities still dominate the landscape.
Modern universities in Sri Lanka face several challenges: limited resources, outdated curricula, graduate unemployment, and political interference. However, there are ongoing reforms to improve quality assurance, promote research, and encourage international collaboration.
Conclusion
The history of Sri Lankan universities is a testament to the country’s enduring commitment to education. From ancient Buddhist learning centers to a modern university system, Sri Lanka has made significant strides in higher education. With further investment and reform, its universities are poised to play a crucial role in national development and global academic engagement.
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