Uva-Wellassa University

Uva Province is one of the most underdeveloped provinces in Sri Lanka. Education is at a lower level than the rest of the country. Civil society in Uva constituting of clergy, local politicians, government servants and public, clamored for setting up of a university in the belief that it would enhance their opportunity for rapid development. In response to this clamor to establish a university in the Uva Province, the Uva Wellassa University (UWU) of Sri Lanka was established by government gazette effective 1 June 2005 in Badulla, three kilometers on to the Passara Road, in the salubrious surroundings of a panoramic location in the hills. In establishing this university, a team headed by Professor H.P.M. Gunasena submitted a report followed by a further detailed concept paper prepared by the Coordinating Committee for the establishment of the Uva Wellassa University headed by Mr. Chandra Embuldeniya. Based on this concept paper, which outlined a new model for the setting up of this university avoiding traditional pitfalls the UGC Chaired by Prof. B.R.R.N. Mendis cleared the way for this university. Mr. Chandra Embuldeniya was later appointed as Vice Chancellor effective 27 July 2005.