The Department of Archaeology has extended history from 1973 as a sub department under the Department of History. In 1977, the Department of Archaeology established as a separate department. Our department offers Archaeology, Tourism and Cultural Resource Management and Anthropology for BA (General) Degree Programme. Meanwhile, we offer Archaeology, Tourism and Cultural Resource Management for BA (Special) Degree Programme.

The Department of Economics is one of the oldest department in the faculty of Social Sciences, that facilitates a comprehensive learning environment for diverse ethno-religious communities. The department members have excellent academic credentials and are highly regarded.

The Department of Geography is one of the leading Departments in the Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya. Initially it was established in 1959 as the Vidyalankara University, and subsequently it was renamed as University of Kelaniya in 1978. The Department of Geography has also being a pioneering department of the University of Kelaniya. At present, the Department offers Diploma programs, Degree programs and Postgraduate Degree programs.

The Department of History is one of the oldest Departments in the University of Kelaniya. Graduates produced by this Department, which was started by the renowned historian Hem Chandra Ray, are rendering great service to the nation by holding high positions in various fields such as university service, education service and administrative service.

The Diploma in Information Technology is designed by the Department of Information Technology of Faculty of Social Sciences in pursuit of enhancing the rate of employability of the Arts graduates in Sri Lanka with regard to the emerging deficiency of the professional placements due to the majority of Arts graduates being delivered from the state universities. As the key areas of the industry are automated with the advancement of Information Technology, if a graduate possesses well trained IT skills blended with a sound knowledge, it influences the production of tech savvy graduates while fitting dynamic labor markets.

The International Studies Degree Programme was first introduced in 2002. For more than one decade with an overwhelming demand for the excellence in the subject it continues to accommodate a large number of students each year since its initiation.

The Department of Plant and Molecular Biology, formerly known as the Department of Botany established in 1967, educates undergraduate students in current plant and molecular biological concepts and methodologies in the laboratory and the natural environment. In addition to the Botany discipline, a new discipline, Molecular Biology and Plant Biotechnology was introduced by the Department in 2003.

Department offers twelve (12) internal and external degree programs. These include BA (General and Special) degree programmes and external B.A (General) degree programme and the postgraduate programmes in the levels of Master of Arts (MA) (one year course work), Master of Social Sciences (Mssc) (Course work with research component two years), Master of Philosophy (MPhil) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD).

The Department of Philosophy offers degrees in three areas: Philosophy, Psychology, and Peace and Conflict Resolution. In present the Department of Philosophy providing degrees in Sinhala and English Medium. However, in 2003 the Department introduced the Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology, and in 2007 the Honours Degree in Psychology was introduced and in present providing degree in both Sinhala and English Medium.

Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Kelaniya was established in 2017. The Department envisages to create a vibrant learning environment based on a culture of academic, intellectual and social accomplishment wherein all involved shall contribute efficiently and effectively. The Department offered B.A., M.A and MSSc Programs in Political Science.

The Department of Sociology is one of the vibrant Departments in the Faculty of Social Sciences with 30 years of landmarked historical footprints. The Department constituted in 1991. As a leading Department in the university, it manages the highest students’ enrolment under several undergraduate and postgraduate study programs.

The Department of Social Statistics is committed to create and disseminate theoretical and empirical knowledge related to statistical analysis studies through research, teaching, and various professional and policy contributions.

As the pioneer in introducing degree courses in the field of sport and recreation to Sri Lanka, it had to face various challenges from the very beginning. Improving the quality of the lecturers and improving the quality of the syllabi were the main ones and it has already been possible to overcome these challenges successfully.