University of Colombo

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Department of Mathematics UoC

Colombo Medical College UoC

UoC College House

Muruththettuwe Ananda Himi

University of Colombo (Sinhala: කොළඹ විශ්වවිද්‍යාලය, Tamil: கொழும்பு பல்கலைக்கழகம்), also known as UoC, is a public university located in Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. It is the oldest and one of the most prestigious universities in the country, known for its high academic standards and research contributions. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across various disciplines, including the arts, science, medicine, law, education, and management.

History

The origins of the University of Colombo can be traced back to the establishment of the Ceylon Medical School in 1870, which later became the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Colombo. The university as it is known today was formally established in 1942 as the University of Ceylon, Colombo, following the recommendations of the Soulbury Commission. It was subsequently renamed the University of Colombo in 1978, reflecting its autonomous status and the reorganization of Sri Lanka's university system.

Campus

The main campus of the University of Colombo is located in the heart of Colombo, providing easy access to a range of cultural, economic, and social resources. The campus combines historic colonial architecture with modern facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories, libraries, and lecture halls. The university also boasts several off-campus facilities, including the Faculty of Medicine located at Kynsey Road and the Institute of Indigenous Medicine at Rajagiriya.

Faculties and Institutes

The University of Colombo consists of several faculties and institutes, each specializing in different areas of study:

• Faculty of Arts
• Faculty of Science
• Faculty of Medicine
• Faculty of Law
• Faculty of Education
• Faculty of Management and Finance
• Institute of Indigenous Medicine
• Institute of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biotechnology
• Postgraduate Institute of Medicine

These faculties and institutes offer a diverse range of programs, catering to the varied interests and career aspirations of students.

Research and Innovation

The University of Colombo is renowned for its research output and innovation, contributing significantly to the advancement of knowledge in various fields. It hosts several research centers and units, including the Centre for the Study of Human Rights, which underscores its commitment to addressing pressing societal issues. The university encourages interdisciplinary research and collaboration with both local and international partners.

Student Life

Student life at the University of Colombo is vibrant and diverse, with numerous student societies, clubs, and organizations catering to a wide range of interests. These include cultural, religious, academic, and sports societies, providing students with ample opportunities to engage in extracurricular activities, develop new skills, and form lasting friendships.

Alumni

The University of Colombo has produced a distinguished list of alumni who have excelled in various fields, both locally and internationally. These include leaders in government, industry, academia, and the arts, who have contributed significantly to the development of Sri Lanka and beyond.

See Also

• Education in Sri Lanka
• List of universities in Sri Lanka
• University Grants Commission (Sri Lanka)