OUR HISTORY
NSBM Green University has emerged as a one-of-a-kind institution of excellence and innovation in the heart of Sri Lanka’s educational landscape. Since its inception, the university’s narrative has been fueled by an unyielding purpose – to revolutionise local higher educational norms by delivering an exceptional global learning setting. With every step taken along the journey, NSBM Green University has been able to serve this purpose and expand its impact, all while strengthening its capabilities, paving the way for remarkable achievements.
The NSBM journey commenced officially in 2011, marking the transformation of a longstanding vision into a tangible reality. Established on 7 October 2011 under the Companies Act No. 07 of 2007, it was founded with a mission aligned with fostering a knowledge-based economy in Sri Lanka. Operating as a pivotal institution within the Sri Lankan higher education system, NSBM operates under the auspices of the ministry that is responsible for overseeing higher education and tertiary skills development in the country. Over the years, it has been guided by the stewardship of various ministers dedicated to advancing educational excellence.
NSBM embarked on a quest for a new avenue in holistic world-class education in mid-2012 by laying the foundation stone for its ambitious university town project on a sprawling 26-acre expanse of lush greenery in Pitipana, Homagama, away from the clamour of city life. As construction continued of this grand university complex, NSBM City Campus emerged in Nugegoda and continued to thrive since early 2012, propelling the NSBM brand to new heights over four prosperous years. The success of the City Campus sustained the NSBM brand for over four profitable years, demonstrating a spectacular rise in terms of operations and achievements. While the recognition it earned assured the far-sightedness of the founders regarding the potential of the NSBM Green University project, it also foreshadowed the future accomplishments at its completion four years later.
NSBM spread its wings in the Sri Lankan higher education arena initially with City Campus and stepped onto several significant initiatives that secured lasting impact prior to moving to its ideal university complex. It was during this transformative period that NSBM gained the degree-awarding status by notification in the Government Gazette Extraordinary of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, affiliations were forged and solidified with reputed international higher education institutes from the most sought-after higher education destinations, such as the United Kingdom, Australia, and Ireland. The launching of these degree programmes here in Sri Lanka discouraged many young minds who opted to leave the country in search of international opportunities, and it strengthened one of NSBM’s ultimate objectives as well, making Sri Lanka a knowledge hub in Asia.
Construction of NSBM Green University, a marvel of architectural ingenuity, began in December 2013 following the securing of a loan of LKR 8.6 billion from BOC. The project encompassed the development of a purpose-built complex alongside various amenities meticulously crafted to foster comprehensive education, enriching both the academic and personal well-being of students and faculty alike. Beyond mere structures, it was designed as an architectural blueprint, prioritising sustainability with seamless integration of modern amenities with eco-conscious principles. One of the most striking features of the university complex is its sheer scale, boasting the capacity to accommodate a thriving community of 30,000 students.
On 26th October 2016, the NSBM journey marked a momentous milestone with the official opening of NSBM Green University in Homagama, culminating the arduous construction endeavour spanning over 1000 days. With this grand inauguration, NSBM Green University proudly stepped onto the national stage, heralding a new era in higher education in Sri Lanka. As its gates swung open, the university has been committed to offering unparalleled opportunities to empower not only the youth of Sri Lanka but also those across Asia.
Emerging as a unique and unparalleled project, the opening of NSBM Green University procured growth in terms of all its levels, paving the way for continuous expansions and progressive evolution. Ever since, NSBM student numbers saw a meteoric rise, new faculties and departments were brought into play, expanded the degree portfolio, attracted renowned faculty members and experts, strengthened the quality of education and research, set up collaborative partnerships, established technological advancements, and assumed notable alumni achievements.
In a remarkable stride towards setting the green university experience to the next level, NSBM commenced the construction of Phase II of the NSBM Green University Project in 2021, adding another 15 acres adjoining the university premises. This giant step in crafting a future of greater impact is believed to be a key driver of NSBM’s future growth to further expand its services and opportunities on offer, along with a wide spectrum of new facilities. While the ongoing Phase 2 development aims to accommodate the new Faculty of Health Science, NSBM Green University envisions Phase 3, which will include infrastructure for healthcare.
Since its inception, NSBM has remained true to its vision and kept gathering momentum in its mission. Currently, NSBM Green University achieves approximately 3,500 annual enrollments and hosts over 12,000 students reading over 60 undergraduate, postgraduate and professional programmes in a range of disciplines across five faculties, namely the Faculty of Business, Faculty of Computing, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Science and Faculty of Postgraduate and Professional Development. Over the past years, more than 18,000 students have graduated from NSBM, and the university’s research has contributed to creating new knowledge and innovation across a diverse range of disciplines. Spanning a total of 60 acres with the integration of all three development phases, the entire NSBM campus stands as one of the largest and most advanced university premises in the region—purpose-built to support academic excellence, student life, and sustainable growth.
With each stride forward, NSBM Green University leaves an enduring imprint on countless lives, all while gracefully continuing its awe-inspiring journey towards excellence in transformative education, individual empowerment, and national development—vividly realising its visionary aspirations.