Research plays a vital role in achieving career goals of University academics. In addition to teaching, one of the main expectations from University academics is generation of new knowledge through research.

The University of Kelaniya, being one of the leading universities in Sri Lanka as well as in the South Asian region, is highly committed to enhance research in many disciplines in broad areas of studies including Commerce, Management studies, Humanities, Medicine, Science and Social Sciences. It has been continuously engaged in many activities to improve the research culture and encourage academics to engage in quality research. With the recent establishment of the Research Council of the University, many new initiatives have also been introduced. 

In order to facilitate research at the Faculty level, Research Centres had been established at each Faculty of the University. In addition, several other Centres and Units which are involved in research on specific fields of studies have also been established in the University.