The Department of Physical Education (DPE) has been functioning almost since the inception of the University way back in 1959. The DPE provides a wide range of Sports and Recreation programmes for the benefit of internal students of the University. These activities are supported by some of the best sport facilities in the University System in Sri Lanka.

The main objective of the Department is to promote and improve the student-sporting prowess and provide opportunities to develop team and individual sports.

The Sports Advisory Board consisting of academic staff members functions in the advisory capacity.

The Sports Council appointed annually functions as the students organizing arm of the department. Sports Council consist of captains and vice captains of the sports teams of the univrsity.

At the beginning the department headed by Physical Education Organizer and then by Director of Physical Education (DPE).

• Mr. CAP Herath - Physical Education Organizer 
• Mr. Paster Peiris (1970 -1979) 1st Director of Physical Education of the University of Kelaniya (Vidyalankara University at that time)
• Ms. Sibil de Silva - DPE (1980 - 1987) 
• Mr. BLH PErera - DPE (1988- 2004)
• Mr. WG Nihal Kumara - DPE (Actg.) (2005-2008)
• Mr. GGU Saman Kumara - DPE (Actg.)  (2008 to present)