About the PGIAR

History

The Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology is officially inaugurated in 1985, with the blessings and patronage of the Central Cultural Fund and the University of Kelaniya.

The Institute was first located under the same roof which sheltered the CCF - head office at 212/1 Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo -7. With the development of its activities the Institution could obtain the present building located at No. 407, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo -7, with the kind patronage of the then President of Sri Lanka, His Excellency D. B. Wijetunga during the founder Director of PGIAR, Prof. Seneke Bandaranayake.

The Institution was under the Direction of Prof. Seneke Bandaranayake since its inception to year 2001. Then Mr. Sirinimal Lakdusinghe became the Director and ran the institution from year 2001 to year 2004.

Since its establishment the institution has produced more than 500 post graduate holders and diploma holders in Archaeology related fields.

At the beginning it was called as "CENTARC" by abbreviating the term Centre for Archaeological Research.

Vision

The Vision of the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology is to be a centre of excellence for research and higher learning and related activities with emphasis on national relevance and international recognition in the advancement of archaeology and related disciplines.

Mission

The Mission of the institute is to promote the science of archaeology and related fields by developing research, conducting courses of learning and conferring postgraduate degrees, and by popularising knowledge of the subject.

Objectives

1. To provide postgraduate instruction, professional training and to undertake research in archaeology.
2. To encourage and promote the acquisition, advancement and dissemination of knowledge in the various branches of archaeology.
3. To sponsor, promote and stimulate the study and practical application of, and research in archaeology.
4. To admit and to organize and supervise the instruction and training of persons desiring to qualify for and obtain postgraduate degrees, diplomas and other academic distinctions in archaeology.
5. To conduct or to provide for the conduct of postgraduate examinations in archaeology for the award of postgraduate degrees and to recommend to the university persons who having passed such examination and having satisfied such other conditions as the Board may impose, are eligible for the award of postgraduate degrees, diplomas and other academic distinctions.
6. To promote fellowship among those engaged in the study of and research in archaeology.
7. To collaborate, co-operate and co-ordinate with universities and other organizations in Sri Lanka or abroad for the interchange and dissemination of knowledge in archaeology.
8. To do all such other acts and things that may be necessary and desirable for the promotion of the above objectives and any other matters necessary to further the objectives of the institute.

Buildings, Laboratories and Infrastructure

The PGIAR is housed at 407 Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7 in a historic building originally used as a Government Residence for public officers. The premises were donated to the institute as a grant by H.E. the President.

The administration and laboratories are housed in two small single storey buildings.

A new three storey building houses the library, laboratories, lecture halls and canteen facilities.