The Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology (PGIAR), University of Kelaniya is the prime institute for postgraduate training in archaeology in Sri Lanka. It offers postgraduate diplomas, MA, MSc, MPhil, and Ph.D. degrees in archaeology, museology, heritage, and art history. It also conducts non-degree programs in archaeology and related subjects.  PGIAR contributes immensely to the development of future generations of leaders in scholarship and research in archaeology and related subjects.

The Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology (PGIAR) was established on 1st January 1986, by an order dated 18th December 1985, under section 24A of the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978 by the University Grants Commission. The PGIAR is a Postgraduate Institute of the University of Kelaniya. It is the prime institution for postgraduate studies and research in archaeology and related subjects in the country.

The PGIAR is housed at 407 Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7 in a historic building originally used as a Government Residence for public officers. Currently, it has four units of buildings including the historic building. A new three-story building was built in 2009 with sufficient space for teaching and faculty offices. Administration and most of the laboratory work are carried out in two single-story temporary buildings.