The University of the Visual & Performing Art has a history spanning over 120 years. The origin of the University of the Visual and Performing Arts can be traced back to the year 1893, the era in which the Ceylon Technical College was established. Among the first courses to be taught at the college were Drawing and Painting. On 1 October 1949, the Department of Drawing and Painting moved from the Technical College at Maradana to the ‘Heywood’ building at Horton place and was subsequently renamed as the ‘School of Art’. A diploma in Fine Arts was awarded to students upon the completion of 5 years of study. Prominent painter and teacher J.D.A. Perera was the first Principal of this institution.
