Department of Plant and Molecular Biology

About Us

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. All biological science students admitted to the Faculty of Science are eligible to follow courses in Botany and Molecular Biology.

The curricula and syllabi of the above degree programs, namely 3-year B.Sc. degree and the 4-year B.Sc. (honors) degree, have been designed to ensure the highest standard of quality to inculcate the necessary skills and knowledge expected of graduates in accordance with our mission.

The graduates can fit into a wide variety of career opportunities in research, teaching and technical positions in universities, government and industry with self-confidence, entrepreneurial attitudes and skills.

Inauguration Ceremony

MSc in Crop Protection and Plant Biotechnology

We are delighted to announce the successful inauguration of the Master of Science in Crop Protection and Plant Biotechnology - Batch 8 - 2026 at the Department of Plant and Molecular Biology, University of Kelaniya

March 28, 2026

50th Anniversary of Introducing Honors/Special Degree Program

Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Botany Honours Degree program and a wonderful reunion with our Alumni family.

Calling for Applications

Scholarship Awarded by the Society of Plant and Molecular Biology 2024/2025

The department is proud to unveil our new initiative aimed at reducing our carbon footprint through smart building management.

Tropical 3D Short Course Organized by the Department of Plant and Molecular Biology, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka

The Department of Plant and Molecular Biology, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, successfully conducted a short course with the participation of 20 enthusiastic undergraduates from SW University, China.

During the program, the students were provided with the opportunity to obtain knowledge on tropical plant diversity, diseases and diagnostics, and actively engage in laboratory sessions to get hands-on experience. This initiative not only enhanced their academic and research exposure but also created a platform for cross-cultural exchange and collaboration between the two universities.

Such programs reflect our continued commitment to fostering international partnerships and providing transformative learning experiences for future scientists.