The University of Ruhuna is one of the leading national universities in Sri Lanka which was established around 42 years ago in 1978. Currently, the University of Ruhuna consists of 10 faculties and 57 departments in various sub disciplines of natural and social sciences and as well as in the field of Humanities. Although, initially the University of Ruhuna concentrated more on the Bachelor degrees, later on, it has changed its focus to offer post graduate degrees as well. The University has around 8000 students, 551 academics, 40 administrative officers and 951 non-academic other grade staff in total. Since the year 1997, the university offers distance learning courses of degrees, diplomas and certificates. The University of Ruhuna with the vision “To be the prime intellectual thrust of the nation” is now making a significant contribution to national and regional development of the country. The members of its academic staff serve as consultants and advisors to a wide spectrum of national bodies and professional associations as well. Moreover, it maintains a number of academic affiliations with internationally acclaimed bodies around the world.

One of the key objectives of the university is to provide a quality education for undergraduate and graduate students at national and international levels. Enhancing and expanding the research environment which is conducive for quality research aiming to produce new knowledge which would be instrumental in addressing local and global issues is another role which is performed by UOR.

UoR serves as a service hub where local and international knowledge, experience, new trends in development are brought together and distributed and shared.
The University of Ruhuna has entered into partnerships with a number of international academic and research institutions particularly in Asia and Europe. The well-established Center for International Affairs of the University coordinates establishing international corporations. Simultaneously, the university has established many other centres to facilitate its academic, research and other ventures locally and internationally.