Postgraduate Institute of Science (PGIS) is a National Institute established by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education in 1996. The Director is the principal executive, academic and accounting officer of the institute while the Board of Management is the principal authority of the institute. The PGIS is attached to the University of Peradeniya and depends on the university for formulation and implementation of its academic programmes and the award of postgraduate degrees.

The institute strives to achieve its principle objectives to provide postgraduate instruction and training and facilitate research in different disciplines of science by,

• Stimulating creative thought while making available existing knowledge in the chosen fields
• Providing an atmosphere where free intellectual activity can flourish
• Including a responsibility and sensitivity about the scientific and technological needs of the society