Department of Aquaculture & Fisheries (DAF) was established in year 2001 with a mission, to be the leader in tertiary education, research, skill development and outreach in the fields of aquaculture and fisheries production, product processing and allied sectors that would ensure an environmental friendly fisheries and aquaculture sector.

In terms of academic programme, the course modules which are conducting by the DAF are designed to be target oriented and blended for industry demand which is reflect by the very short period of waiting time for jobs, by the graduates upon completion of their degree. Despite the success of the course modules introduced with the time, the DAF has been continuously making amendments to the curricular to promote the relevance of education and enhance the quality.

The Department is aiming to attain the discipline and allied science related skills through the practical, hence all most all of the modules are practical based which some are conducting both the laboratories & field, aquaria, ponds and research hut. Facilities at the department are used in developing students’ soft skills and further opportunities are provided for students to get exposure and work at laboratories at national research stations, industries and other reputed laboratories during their outdoor training. These include in-house trainings at Fish breeding and training center Rambodagalla of National Aquaculture Development Authority (NAQDA), NAQDA regional aquaculture development center at Dambulla, National Aquaculture Research and Development Agency (NARA), etc. For Environmental and field based studies, students get the opportunity of visiting all major environments of Sri Lanka (Coastal zones, lagoons, rivers, shrimp/ lobster/ mollusk culture sites and it includes real sea experiences in cruise as well). In-plant training and Research at the final year gives an ample opportunity for the students to horn their subject specific skills as well as soft skills in reputed establishments.

In addition to undergraduate teaching, the department is involved in various outreach activities including consultancies for EIAs, curriculum development for National Institute of Education, teacher, farmer, school children trainings etc. Similarly, the active research conducted by the staff members and students (binding to the reputed local and international academic institutions) have helped in disseminating new approaches to managing environmentally friendly aquaculture and Fisheries sector in Sri Lanka.