University of Moratuwa

What University of Moratuwa does

University of Moratuwa is Sri Lanka's leading public technical university, located in Moratuwa on the banks of Bolgoda Lake. Founded in 1972 and operating under the University Grants Commission, the institution is funded primarily through the General Treasury of Sri Lanka and offers tuition-free higher education. The university comprises six faculties: Engineering, Architecture, Business, Information Technology, Medicine, and Graduate Studies. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, the Institute of Technology University of Moratuwa (ITUM, established 2000), the university runs the National Diploma in Technology (NDT) program - a three-year English-medium diploma comprising two years of academic study and one year of mandatory industrial training, with an annual intake of 800 students across 10 engineering technology disciplines including Civil, Mechanical, Electrical, Electronic & Telecommunication, Marine, Nautical, Polymer, Chemical, Textile & Clothing, and Information Technology.

ITUM coordinates industrial training placements through the National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA) and partners with recognized organizations across Sri Lanka, while Maritime Studies maintains ISO 9001:2015 certification and STCW compliance via the International Maritime Organization. The university's technology infrastructure includes the proprietary LearnOrg 3.0 platform integrating Moodle LMS, Document Management System, email, library proxy, and Wi-Fi through centralized single sign-on authentication, supported by a Systems Management Unit managing network backbone, servers, CCTV, and VoIP. Revenue mechanics are government-dominated: nominal student fees (registration, certificates, fines) supplemented by Mahapola and Bursary scholarship programs, with the state bearing the primary per-student cost (approximately Rs. 92,000/year per ITUM student as of 2012). The university maintains 25+ international university partnerships spanning China, India, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Finland, Korea, Japan, Thailand, Germany, and England, and made its first-ever appearance in the Times Higher Education Asia and World Rankings in 2025.

Name

University of Moratuwa

Legal name

University of Moratuwa

Website

https://mrt.ac.lk

Company type

Private

Founded year

1972

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

University of Moratuwa is Sri Lanka's leading public technical university, operating six faculties and the ITUM subsidiary, delivering tuition-free engineering, IT, business, architecture, medicine, and graduate education with an annual intake of 800 NDT diplomates across 10 disciplines.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Higher Education

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Technical and Trade Schools (61151)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Engineering & Technology Institutes (Comprehensive) (EDAHAEAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Technical Universities with Computing, Data & AI Focus (EDAHAEAK), Polytechnic & Applied Sciences Universities (EDAHAEAB), Cooperative Education (Co-op) Technical Universities (EDAHAEAF)

Keywords

• Higher education
• Engineering degrees
• Technology diplomas
• University research
• Industrial training

Headquarters

HQ city

Moratuwa

HQ country

Sri Lanka

HQ region

Asia

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Infrastructure, Operations, Technology or R&D, Others

Pricing tiers

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

University of Moratuwa is a public state-funded technical university offering undergraduate and postgraduate degree programs across six faculties (Engineering, Architecture, Business, Information Technology, Medicine, and Graduate Studies). Through its subsidiary ITUM, it delivers the National Diploma in Technology (NDT) — a three-year full-time program combining two years of academic study with one year of mandatory industrial training — across ten engineering technology disciplines with a total annual intake of 800 students.

Product overview

University of Moratuwa, through its Institute of Technology (ITUM), operates as an educational technology institution primarily offering the National Diploma in Technology (NDT) programme - a three-year full-time diploma with two years academic study followed by one year industrial training. The institution comprises ten academic divisions: Civil Engineering Technology (largest with 200 student intake), Mechanical Engineering Technology, Electrical/Electronic/Telecommunication Engineering Technology, Information Technology, Polymer and Chemical Engineering Technology, Textile and Clothing Technology, Maritime Studies, and Interdisciplinary Studies. Supporting infrastructure includes a Systems Management Unit (SMU) handling IT operations, a Library with OPAC access, and an Industrial Training Division coordinating with NAITA. The institution conducts annual events including the ITUM International Research Conference and Career Fair. Short course offerings include Basic Data Analysis with R and Advanced Certificate Course for Laboratory Attendants. The LearnOrg platform provides centralized access to Moodle, DMS, and email systems.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• National Diploma in Technology (NDT) Programme A three-year full-time diploma programme consisting of two years of academic study followed by one year of mandatory industrial training, conducted in English medium across ten engineering technology disciplines with a total intake of 800 students per year. Designed for GCE A/L qualified students seeking to become mid-level engineering technology professionals.
• ITUM International Research Conference (ITUM-IRC) An annual international research conference organized by the Research Unit of ITUM, bringing together academics, researchers, industry professionals, and students to exchange knowledge and explore innovative solutions. The conference features multiple technical tracks covering sustainable infrastructure, energy systems, mechanical engineering, materials, digital technologies, and education.
• Annual Career Fair

Quantifiable outcome

• 100% of students who pass examinations and complete industrial training become qualified Diplomates
• +1 more outcomes

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

33 partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• SLT-MOBITELminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 June 2026SLT-MOBITEL, Sri Lanka's national telecommunications provider, supported and sponsored the Grand Finales of SLIoT Challenge 2026 and IESL RoboGames 2026 technology competitions for youth held at University of Moratuwa, demonstrating commitment to nurturing Sri Lanka's youth talent and digital transformation.
• Alumex PLCminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 March 2026Alumex PLC served as official material sponsor for 'Unleashed 2026' launch of FALCON E1 electric racing car designed by University of Moratuwa students. Provided approximately 650 kilograms of aluminium components and specialized anodising services to enhance vehicle's power-to-weight ratio and structural integrity.
• Sterling Steels LimitedcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 February 2026Sterling Steels Limited signed MoU with University of Moratuwa's Department of Civil Engineering for collaborative research partnership focused on Sri Lanka's steel building construction sector. University leads applied research while Sterling Steels provides technical expertise, facilities, and materials. Initial research focuses on cold-formed steel sections and connections under complex loading conditions.
• Port City ColombominorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 November 2025Port City Colombo and University of Moratuwa concluded Smart City Ideathon 2025, a multi-phase program involving students, academia, industry experts, and policymakers to generate innovative solutions for urban development in Sri Lanka, focusing on sustainable technology-driven urban planning.
• National Apprentice and Industrial Training Authority (NAITA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerITUM coordinates with NAITA in organising Industrial Training for National Diploma in Technology students in recognised organisations. NAITA and ITUM academic and training staff conduct visits to supervise progress of trainees. Selection of students to training organisations considers their academic performance.
• Ceylon Shipping CorporationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCeylon Shipping Corporation provides sea training for Nautical Studies students during their second year (Semester three and four) of study, enabling students to gain practical maritime experience on ocean-going vessels.
• International Maritime Organization (IMO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaritime Studies programs at ITUM implement International rules and regulations governed by IMO, satisfying required Standard of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping for Seafarers (STCW) as per 1978 Convention. This enables graduates to find employment on Sri Lankan and foreign vessels.
• Indian Register of Shipping (IRS)minorOthersMaritime Studies at ITUM obtained ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management System certificate issued by Indian Register of Shipping, India. IRS conducts annual audits to verify ISO standards.
• Global Maritime Education and Training Institutions (Global MET)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMaritime Studies division maintains close contact with global maritime education community through membership in Global MET organization.
• Institute of Marine Engineers, Science and Technology, England (IMarEST)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudents are encouraged to obtain Student Membership at IMarEST and other professional bodies to enhance their professional credentials.
• East China University of Science and Technology, ChinaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational university partnership for academic collaboration, research exchange, and student mobility programs.
• Indian Institute of Technology, Madras, IndiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier Indian technology institute partnership for academic collaboration, research, and student exchange opportunities.
• Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT), AustraliaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational partnership with Australian university for research collaboration and academic exchanges.
• Beijing Institute of Technology, ChinaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational university partnership for technology research collaboration and academic exchange.
• Shanghai University of Electric Power, ChinaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for electric power engineering research and academic collaboration.
• Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, IndiacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPremier IIT partnership for engineering research collaboration and student exchange programs.
• Incheon National University, Republic of KoreaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational partnership with Korean university for technology research and academic exchanges.
• Indian Institute of Technology Patna, IndiaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIIT partnership for collaborative research and academic exchanges in engineering disciplines.
• Deakin University, AustraliaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Australian university for research collaboration and student mobility programs.
• University of Calgary, CanadaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational partnership for academic research collaboration with Canadian university.
• University of Seychelles, SeychellesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Seychelles university for regional academic collaboration.
• National Taiwan University, TaiwanminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Taiwanese university for technology research and academic exchanges.
• University of Auckland, New ZealandminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational partnership with New Zealand university for research and academic exchanges.
• Aalto University, FinlandminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Finnish university for technology and engineering research collaboration.
• Birmingham City University, EnglandminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with UK university for engineering and technology academic collaboration.
• IIT Gandhinagar, IndiaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIIT partnership for collaborative research and academic exchanges.
• Guilin University of Aerospace Technology, ChinaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for aerospace technology research and academic collaboration.
• Delhi Technological University, IndiaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Indian technological university for engineering research collaboration.
• Osaka City University, JapanminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational partnership with Japanese university for technology research and academic exchanges.
• University of Konstanz, GermanyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with German university for research collaboration in technology disciplines.
• Beijing Jiaotong University, ChinaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for transportation and engineering technology research collaboration.
• Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT), Thammasat University, ThailandminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Thai university for technology research and academic exchanges.
• University of Wollongong, AustraliaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Australian university for research collaboration and student exchanges.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Broad incumbents

• Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay): Premier Indian technical university with comprehensive engineering, technology, and interdisciplinary programs. Direct partner with University of Moratuwa; comparable as a top-tier South Asian technical university with strong industry and research linkages.
• Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras): Top Indian Institute of Technology with strong engineering, computer science, and applied research. Active partner with University of Moratuwa; comparable in technical depth, international ranking, and research output.
• Singapore Polytechnic: Singapore's oldest polytechnic offering diploma programs in engineering, technology, and applied sciences with strong industry placement components. Comparable to ITUM's NDT program in applied technology diploma structure and industry-integrated training model.
• Hong Kong Polytechnic University: Major Asian technical university with applied research focus, polytechnic heritage, and industry partnerships. Comparable as a globally-ranked technical university with applied sciences emphasis and employer-responsive programs.
• Nanyang Technological University (NTU Singapore): Globally-ranked Asian research university with strong engineering, business, and technology programs. Comparable as a top-tier Asian technical university with research output and industry partnerships exceeding Moratuwa's scale.

Direct peers

• Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET): Premier engineering and technical university in Bangladesh offering undergraduate and postgraduate engineering programs with strong industry linkages. Closely comparable as a South Asian national technical university serving similar student demographics and industry needs.
• University of Engineering and Technology Lahore (UET Lahore): Pakistan's leading public engineering university with comprehensive technical and applied sciences programs. Comparable as a South Asian public technical university producing industry-ready engineering graduates through structured curricula.
• Asian Institute of Technology (AIT): Thailand-based regional technical postgraduate university serving South and Southeast Asia with engineering and technology programs. Comparable as a regional technical institution with international student base and engineering focus similar to University of Moratuwa.
• University of Peradeniya: Sri Lanka's oldest and largest university, also under UGC, offering comprehensive engineering and technology programs. Most direct domestic peer competing for the same talent pool and government funding in Sri Lanka.

Regional players

• Sirindhorn International Institute of Technology (SIIT), Thammasat University: Thailand-based international engineering institute within Thammasat University offering English-medium engineering programs. Active partner with University of Moratuwa; comparable as an international-focused technical institution in Southeast Asia.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/MoratuwaUni
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCeGA6J0404xYDFMFnNkjZDg
• Facebookfacebook.com/mrt.ac.lk
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/institute-of-technology-university-of-moratuwa
• Instagraminstagram.com/itumlk

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles11 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about University of Moratuwa