The mission of the LCMA is twofold. On one hand, it intends to be a space to train archaeologists in archaeological science applications. On the other, it intends to become a service centre to meet the needs of the archaeological community and the preservation needs of artefacts and cultural material in the country. Through education and research on archaeology and conservation, through assisting analysis of cultural materials essential for determining proper treatments and preventive conservation procedures the proposed laboratory can render an essential service to the archaeological and heritage community in their endeavours in preserving, interpreting, and studying the heritage of Sri Lanka. 

LCMA has conducted several research studies applying scientific methods in Sri Lankan archaeology. Those studies show that the relevant empirical data obtained of material culture from an archaeological context often contain social signifiers. One of the successes of LCMA is that its staff are also well experienced in the subject of archaeology.