UCIARS History

UCIARS History 

The Institute was first established as the Magampura Agro-Technology and Community Services Center in Weligatta, Hambantota affiliated to the University of Colombo in 2000 by the University Grants Commission. The Centre’s history dates back to 1998 through which the University researchers were able to build close collaborative links with the community over the years to transfer technology/knowledge and know-how directly to the end-users and improve efficiency in agriculture and agro-industry in the region. The founder of this institute was the former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Colombo and the former Chairperson of the University Grants Commission, Professor Kshanika Hirimburegama.

The University of Colombo Institute for Agro-Technology and Rural Sciences (UCIARS) was established as a Higher Educational Institute affiliated to the University of Colombo, under Section 24A of the Universities Act No.16 of 1978 and the University of Colombo Institute for Agro-Technology and Rural Sciences Ordinance No.02 of 2008 (published in Gazette Extraordinary No.1570/34 of 10^th October 2008). The Order came into operation with effect from 25^th August 2008.