University of Peradeniya

University of Peradeniya is a public research university located in Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. It is the largest and one of the oldest universities in Sri Lanka, and is consistently ranked among the top universities in the country. The university is known for its academic excellence, research output, and beautiful campus.

The history of the University of Peradeniya can be traced back to the establishment of the University of Ceylon in 1942. The University of Ceylon was the first university to be established in Sri Lanka, and was initially located in Colombo. However, it was decided to move the university to a permanent site in Peradeniya, and construction on the new campus began in 1949.

The first students arrived at the Peradeniya campus in 1952, and the university was officially inaugurated on October 6, 1952. The university was initially known as the University of Ceylon Peradeniya, but it was renamed the University of Peradeniya in 1978.

The University of Peradeniya grew rapidly in the years following its establishment. New faculties and departments were added, and the student population increased significantly. The university also became a leading center for research in a variety of fields.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the University of Peradeniya was affected by the Sri Lankan Civil War. However, the university continued to operate throughout this period, and remained a beacon of hope and learning during a difficult time in Sri Lanka's history.

After the end of the civil war in 2009, the University of Peradeniya experienced a period of rapid growth and development. New buildings and facilities were constructed, and the student population increased once again. The university also became more involved in international collaboration, and began to attract students and faculty from all over the world.

Today, the University of Peradeniya is one of the leading universities in Sri Lanka and South Asia. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in a variety of disciplines, and is home to a number of research institutes and centers. The university is also known for its beautiful campus and its commitment to academic excellence.

University of Peradeniya is ranked as the #2 top university in Sri Lanka during 2025. This is the same rank as last year.