The University of Kelaniya has the highest number of international students numbering over 500 and also offers the highest number of scholarship opportunities for undergraduates numbering over 100 annually. Furthermore, the university has unique fields of study  that have great potential to attract international scholars and students in large numbers i.e. the Departments of Modern Languages, Sanskrit, Pali and Buddhist Studies, Fine Arts.

The Centre for International Affairs is the first contact point for any international scholar, grant agency, prospective student or university and envisages encouraging and supporting academics and students in their research/ study activities by providing assistance through funding, links with international universities and guidance to meet the university's goal of becoming an internationally recognised leader in the development and implementation of a knowledge-based society. 

Promotion of collaborative research activities, staff and student exchange, cultural exchange, conducting awareness programmes, exploring funding opportunities and grants, promotion of postgraduate and diploma programmes to attract international students, supporting incoming and outgoing staff, student mobility are among the many functions of the Centre for International Affairs.