Welcome Address by the Vice – Chancellor ,University of Vavuniya
Inauguration Ceremony UOV – University of Vavuniya
The Inauguration Ceremony UOV marked the formal establishment of the University of Vavuniya as a separate State University. Specifically, this landmark event captured the ceremonial walk that marked the university’s elevation to full university status. As a result, it became a significant milestone in higher education for the Northern Province of Sri Lanka.
Background to the University
The University of Vavuniya began as the Vavuniya Campus of the University of Jaffna. Then, through an Extraordinary Gazette Notification issued on 8th June 2021, the government elevated the campus to a separate state university. This change took effect from 1st August 2021. Consequently, it became the 17th state university in Sri Lanka and, notably, the first university located in the Vanni district.
The Inauguration Ceremony
The formal declaration of the university took place with dignitaries and academic staff present. During the event, officials marked the transition of the former Vavuniya Campus into an independent institution. Furthermore, the Inauguration Ceremony UOV brought together representatives from the University Grants Commission and the wider higher education sector to celebrate the occasion.
A Milestone for the Northern Province
The establishment of the University of Vavuniya expanded access to higher education in the Northern and North-Central regions of Sri Lanka. Today, the university offers programmes across faculties including Applied Science, Business Studies, and Technological Studies. In addition, it holds a vision to further expand into Health Sciences, Aquaculture, and other emerging fields.
This ceremony, therefore, remains an important reference point in the university’s history. Above all, it symbolizes the university’s growth from a campus affiliated with the University of Jaffna into a fully independent seat of higher learning. For more updates on university milestones, visit the official University of Vavuniya website, or watch the full welcome address by the Vice-Chancellor on this site.