The declaration establishing the sixth Campus of the University of Sri Lanka in Jaffna was made on 15 July 1974 by Dr.Al.Haj.Badi-Ud-Din Mahmud, Minister of Education and Pro-Chancellor of the University of Sri Lanka with the Parameshwara College premises, Thirunelvely as the nucleus. Parameshwara College was founded by the veteran philanthropist Sir Pon Ramanathan in August 1921.