This sprawling 50-acre university started as the Ceylon Medical School in 1870, and the second European Medical School to be established in all of South Asia. In 1880, it earned the status of a college and, over the years, buildings have been added to the university.

Today, it is a lively educational institute with many faculties on offer, ranging from the sciences to arts. The university has also entered into research partnerships with many foreign universities from across the globe. The students enjoy a campus life with a well-stocked library, residential facilities, active student bodies, societies on matters from astronomy to religion, a canteen, etc.