The Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka was established under the Universities Act Number 16 of 1978 on 7th November 1995 and ceremonially inaugurated on 2nd February 1996. Assigned to the University are the Faculties of Agricultural sciences, Applied Sciences, Geomatics, Management Studies and Social Sciences and Languages set up at Belihuloya in Rathnapura District of the Sabaragamuwa Province. In addition, Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA) at Diyatalawa is also affiliated to the Sabaragamuwa University and the degree to the SLMA officer cadets is also awarded by the university.
The University has expressed the vision "to be an internationally acclaimed centre of excellence in higher learning and research, producing dynamic managers, leaders and nation builders to guide the destiny of Sri Lanka".