The University of Peradeniya is Sri Lanka's oldest and largest university, a "Garden University" set among the Hanthana hills and Mahaweli River, inaugurated in 1954 by Queen Elizabeth II herself.

Why visit University of peradeniya

• Oldest and Largest University: It is the oldest and largest university in Sri Lanka. It was first established in Colombo in 1942 as the University of Ceylon, and then moved to its current location in 1952.
• Architectural Marvel and Scenic Campus: The university is known for its beautiful campus. It has a suburban setting and is nestled in the foothills of the Hanthana mountain range. The architecture is a marvel of civil engineering, with a unique bridge linking the two banks of the Mahaweli River.
• Rich History: The university has a rich history dating back to 1942. Its official inauguration was held in 1954 and attended by Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh.
• High-Endowment and Comprehensive Faculties: The university has the largest government endowment in the country. It has nine faculties and four postgraduate institutes, offering a wide range of academic programs.
• Academic Prowess: It is a highly-ranked institution in Sri Lanka and Asia. Its QS World University Rankings for 2026 placed it between #1201 and #1400.