Who We Are

Oxford Chester University of Higher Education (OCU) was founded on a simple yet powerful belief: education transforms lives, communities, and nations. More than a higher education institution, OCU continues a distinguished educational legacy while embracing the opportunities of an interconnected global future.

Located within the historic Gangaramaya Educational Hub in Colombo, OCU builds upon foundations established in the late nineteenth century by the Most Venerable Hikkaduwa Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera, one of Sri Lanka’s greatest Buddhist scholars and educational reformers. His vision inspired generations of learners, while the Sri Jinarathana Vocational Training Centre has empowered over 100,000 students with practical skills and meaningful career opportunities.

Today, under the visionary leadership of our Chancellor, Most Venerable Dr. Kirinde Assaji Nayaka Thero, OCU marks a new chapter as the first higher education institution established within this historic educational ecosystem. By bridging vocational excellence with internationally recognized academic qualifications, OCU provides students with pathways to global education, professional success, and lifelong learning while preserving Sri Lanka’s rich educational heritage.

At OCU, we believe quality higher education should be accessible to everyone, regardless of financial background. Our programmes combine academic excellence, ethical values, innovation, research, and practical learning to prepare graduates for leadership in a rapidly evolving global society.

The strength of OCU lies in its exceptional academic governance. Our Board of Management (BoM) and Board of Study (BoS) comprise distinguished professors, senior academics, and experienced lecturers from Sri Lanka’s leading state universities, ensuring rigorous academic standards, research excellence, and professional integrity across every programme.

OCU is further strengthened through strategic partnerships with internationally recognized universities. These include Guru Kashi University in India, a UGC-recognized university accredited with the prestigious NAAC A++ Grade and UGC Category-I status; leading universities in the United Kingdom; Lumbini Buddhist University in Nepal; ISIC University in Thailand; and UCSI University in Malaysia. Together, these globally respected institutions enable OCU to deliver internationally benchmarked programmes across Engineering, Information Technology, Management, Professional Studies, Education, Research, Health Sciences, Humanities, Social Sciences, and other emerging disciplines, while expanding opportunities for academic collaboration, student mobility, research, and global career pathways.

Beyond awarding degrees, OCU nurtures graduates who embody knowledge, integrity, innovation, leadership, and a lifelong commitment to learning. Our educational philosophy integrates academic excellence with real-world experience, empowering students not only to secure rewarding careers but also to become entrepreneurs, innovators, ethical leaders, and responsible global citizens.

Joining OCU means becoming part of a proud legacy where heritage meets innovation, wisdom inspires excellence, and education creates limitless opportunities. Here, students are empowered to dream boldly, lead confidently, and make meaningful contributions to society and the world.