The Postgraduate Institute of Science (PGIS) is a National Institute established by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Sri Lanka, in 1996, by an ordinance made by the University Grants Commission under section 18 with section 24A of the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978, for the purpose of providing, promoting and developing higher education in science. The PGIS is attached to the University of Peradeniya and depends on the university for formulation and implementation of its academic programmes and the award of postgraduate degrees. The institute strives to achieve its principle objectives to provide postgraduate instruction and training and facilitate research in different disciplines of science by; 1. Stimulating creative thought while making available existing knowledge in the chosen fields 2. Providing an atmosphere where free intellectual activity can flourish 3. Including a responsibility and sensitivity about the scientific and technological needs of the society. PGIS is one of the leading degree awarding institute in Sri Lanka for postgraduate research and education in scientific disciplines spread over its ten Boards of Study: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Chemical Sciences, Earth Sciences, Environmental Science, Mathematics, Physics, Plant Sciences, Science Education, Statistics & Computer Science, and Zoological Sciences.