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has been extended to February 28, 2026. Apply now!

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Postgraduate Diploma

Archaeology/ Art history/ Museology/ Heritage/ Management & Conservation

Master of Arts (MA)

Archaeology/Museology/ Heritage/ Art History

Archaeology/ Museology/ Heritage/ Art History

Master of Philosophy (MPhil.)

Archaeology/ Museology/ Heritage/

Art History

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Awards & Gold Medals

Welcome to the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology (PGIAR)

University of Kelaniya

Welcome to the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology (PGIAR), Sri Lanka’s premier centre for postgraduate education and research in archaeology and heritage management. We are dedicated to advancing knowledge of the past through innovative research, interdisciplinary learning, and the protection of the nation’s rich cultural heritage.

Enrollment figures for current students

Postgraduate Diploma

Master of Arts

Msc in Archaeology

PhD

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Non Degree

Certificate in Epigraphy

Notices and Announcements

PGIAR Welcomes New Cohort for the 2025/2026 Academic Year

Colombo, Sri Lanka — The Post Graduate Institute of Archaeology (PGIAR) officially commenced its 2026/2027 academic session with a grand inauguration ceremony held at the institute’s main auditorium. The event brought together distinguished academics, heritage professionals, and the incoming class of postgraduate scholars, marking the beginning of a transformative journey into the study of South Asian heritage and archaeological science.

An Assembly of Academic Excellence

The ceremony was presided over by Dr. Arjuna Thantilage, Director of the PGIAR, who delivered the Inaugural Address. Dr. Thantilage emphasized the institute’s commitment to evolving with modern technological advancements while remaining rooted in rigorous scientific inquiry.

The audience was treated to a series of profound scholarly insights:

Guest Lecture: Emeritus Professor Jagath Weerasinghe shared his extensive expertise on the intersection of cultural heritage and contemporary society, inspiring students to look beyond the artifacts to the human stories they represent.
Course Introduction: Senior Professor Raj Somadeva provided a comprehensive overview of the upcoming curriculum, highlighting the importance of field research and the analytical methodologies that define the PGIAR’s academic standards.

The proceedings were elegantly moderated by Dr. Sonali Premachandra, ensuring a seamless flow between the technical introductions and the celebratory spirit of the day.

Honoring Our Legacy

The event also served as a gathering of the institute's leadership past and present. In attendance were former Directors Emeritus Professor Jagath Weerasinghe and Senior Professor Gamini Adikari, alongside esteemed faculty members including Professor Dhananjaya Gamlath, Dr. T.L. Premathilake, Dr. Ranjith Dissanayake, and Dr. Prasanna Ranabahu.

A Collaborative Success

Closing the ceremony, Dr. Thantilage expressed his profound gratitude to the PGIAR administrative and academic staff for their meticulous planning. He also extended a special word of appreciation to the Alumni of the Tourism Course, whose continued engagement and support were instrumental in the success of the inauguration.

As these new students begin their journey, the PGIAR reinforces its mission: to decode the past to better understand our future.

This symbolic act of illumination reflected the Institute’s enduring commitment to the pursuit of knowledge, scholarship, and the preservation of Sri Lanka’s rich archaeological heritage.

The ceremonial lighting of the traditional oil lamp marked the auspicious commencement of the event and was graciously led by the Director of the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology (PGIAR), Dr. Arjuna Thantilage. The ceremony was further dignified by the presence of former Directors, Senior Professor Gamini Adikari and Emeritus Professor Jagath Weerasinghe..

The occasion was honored by distinguished members of the academic faculty, including Senior Professor Raj Somadeva, Professor Dhananjaya Gamlath, Dr. T. R. Premathilaka, Dr. Ranjith Bandara, and Dr. Prasanna Ranabahu, together with members of the Executive and Academic Support Staff.

'Seth Pirith' Chanting Ceremony for Newly Appointed PGIAR Director

A solemn 'Seth Pirith' chanting ceremony was held today at the Post Graduate Institute of Archaeology (PGIAR) to invoke blessings upon the newly appointed Director, Dr. Arjuna Thantilage, who assumed duties on January 13, 2026.

The ceremony was conducted under the patronage of the Most Venerable Aludeniye Subodhi Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Seruwavila Mangala Raja Maha Vihara, alongside the Maha Sangha. The spiritual gathering aimed to bless Professor Thantilage’s new tenure and ensure the institute's future prosperity.

The PGIAR community extends its heartiest wishes to Senior Professor Thantilage for a successful term in elevating the institute's academic excellence and leading Sri Lankan archaeology toward new horizons.

Dr. Arjuna Thantilage has been Appointed as the Director of Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology in Sri Lanka

Dr. Arjuna Thantilage has been appointed as the new Director of the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology (PGIAR), University of Kelaniya in Sri Lanka, effective from January 13th, 2026. . His appointment brings experienced academic leadership to the Institute, with expectations of further strengthening postgraduate education, research, and heritage-related initiatives.

The PGIAR community has extended its congratulations to Dr. Thantilage and wishes him success in guiding the Institute toward continued growth and excellence.

While welcoming our new Director, we express our deep gratitude and respect to Senior Professor P.A. Paranagama (former Acting Director). Thank you for your visionary leadership and the incredible milestones achieved during your tenure.

New Year Wishes – 2026

As we welcome the New Year, the Director and the entire team of the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology (PGIAR) extend our warmest wishes to all.

May the year ahead bring renewed hope, good health, and meaningful progress in your academic and professional pursuits. We look forward to another year of learning, discovery, and collaboration as we continue to preserve, study, and celebrate our shared archaeological heritage.

Wishing you a peaceful, prosperous, and inspiring New Year.

Director and Team
Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology (PGIAR)

NEWS & EVENT

The Diploma Certificate Convocation for the 2023/2024

The Diploma Certificate Convocation for the 2023/2024 batch of the Diploma in Archaeology and Cultural Tourism , conducted by the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, was held on 25th April 2025 at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH), Colombo. This diploma program, specifically designed for professionals in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry—particularly tourist guides—aimed to equip participants with formal and up-to-date knowledge on Sri Lankan culture

PGIAR Student Wins Five Prestigious Gold Medals at University of Kelaniya Convocation

The Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology (PGIAR), University of Kelaniya, proudly announces that Ven. Aludeniye Subodhi Thero (PD1213148) of Postgraduate Diploma in Archaeology in Archaeology has been awarded five prestigious gold medals of · Senaka Bandaranayake Gold medal for Environmental Archaeology · Senarath Paranavithana Gold medal for Epigraphy and Numismatics · Sir Alexander Cunningham Gold medal for Archaeological research thought (Research Colloquium) · Siran Deraniyagala Gold Medal