Why did the University of the Visual & Performing Arts in Colombo choose maroon and orange as its colors? The answer, like the art it fosters, is layered with history. The University of the Visual & Performing Arts, or UVPA, isn’t just a modern institution. It’s the culmination of over a century of artistic evolution in Sri Lanka. The story begins in 1893 within the walls of the Ceylon Technical College, where drawing and painting first took root. Imagine those early students, grappling with Western artistic traditions, a new world opening before them. This seed of artistic education grew, blossoming in 1953 into the independent Government School of Fine Arts. Music, dance, sculpture, and crafts joined the curriculum, creating a vibrant hub of creativity. Then, in 1999, UVPA officially emerged. Dr. Lester James Peiris and Professor Sarath Amunugama, the first Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor, steered this ship into the new millennium. Today, UVPA thrives in the heart of Colombo. The campus is surrounded by museums, galleries, and theatres, immersing students in a constant flow of artistic inspiration. And those colors? Perhaps a reflection of the fiery passion of creation and the grounded richness of tradition. UVPA’s graduates carry this legacy, their artistic voices echoing across Sri Lanka and the world.
Visual & Performing Arts
Discover cities like never before.
Enjoy over self-guided city exploration with our app ‘Explory’. Learn all about the history and discover hidden more than 500.000 hidden gems, that only locals know about. Build custom tours, find nearby places, and start exploring instantly.
More Places in Colombo
Pont. escales
“Did you hear that Colombo was once known as Kolomtota?” our guide whispered, eyes twinkling. Right in front of us
Ceylon Electricity Board
Flickering lights. That’s how many Sri Lankans remember the Ceylon Electricity Board. Before we explore its history let’s stand here
Sri Lanka Telecom
Sri Lanka Telecom. A name synonymous with connectivity and innovation in this beautiful island nation. What you see before you
SLIIT Academy
Is there a secret sauce to success in the tech world? Many students here in Colombo believe that SLIIT Academy
Colombo School Of Business Management
Established in 2015 the Colombo School of Business Management CSBM stands proudly before you. Its very foundation was built on
Excel World
Have you ever wanted to step into a world of adventure and entertainment, where fun and excitement await at every