When the 'Vidyodaya Pirivena' was inaugurated by Sir Oliver Goonatilleke the Governor-General of Ceylon on 16th February 1959, he was confident that 'this seat of oriental learning inheriting the rich academic traditions of eighty six years' would become an institution of highest standards in the country. True to his vision, more than fifty years later, the University of Sri Jayewardenepura has grown and consolidated a place as a premier tertiary education institute of the country. Continuing in its traditional roots, the University is committed to the pursuit and transmission of knowledge through teaching, scholarship and research and active service to the community in an environment which values creativity, freedom of intellectual thought and expression, equal opportunity, fairness and professional growth.

This growth is evident not only in infrastructure, resources and faculty but also in the diversity of study courses and study programmes offered by the University. The faculty of Medical Sciences, the youngest faculty in the University has achieved a phenomenal growth in a very short time offering study programmes; Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS), Bachelor of Nursing (B.Sc. in Nursing), Bachelor of Medical Laboratory Sciences (B.Sc. in Medical Laboratory Sciences), Bachelor of Pharmacy (B. Pharmacy) and Bachelor of Human Biology (B.Sc. in Human Biology). Since its inception in 1993, the Faculty has progressed to one of the most sought after Faculties in the country with its students obtaining high ranking positions. The National Quality Assurance Committee appointed by the University Grants Commission in 2011 has awarded the University the status of excellence.

The University of Sri Jayewardenepura is located at Gangodawila, Nugegoda in Colombo district. Nugegoda is only fifteen kilometers away from the heart of Colombo. The main premise spreads over a 55 acre land facing Sri Soratha Mawatha which stretches from Wijerama Junction to Pirivena Junction.

• Teaching-learning - lecture theatres, auditoriums, well-designed spacious library (with more than 200 000 books), computer centre for each faculty, English teaching unit.

• Self-study - summer huts for studies, common computer centre/lobby with free internet access.

• Academic support - career guidance unit, staff development centre etc.

• Welfare - student counselling service, bookshops, assembly halls, hostels, University medical centre, family practice centre, student union offices.

• Recreational - physical education divisions, open theatres, gymnasium, swimming pool, playgrounds with pavilions.