The University of the Visual & Performing Arts is the only university in Sri Lanka to exclusively offer special degree programmes in the visual & performing arts. Although the University of the Visual & Performing Arts is in its infantile stages as a university (since it obtained the status). The university was established on 1st of July 2005, by the former President of the Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, (Government Gazette notification issued on 09th November 2005). This University replaces the former Institute of Aesthetic Studies affiliated to the University of Kelaniya. The University of the Visual & Performing Arts has three faculties, namely Faculty of Dance & Drama, Faculty of Music and Faculty of Visual Arts.