The Rajarata University of Sri Lanka was founded on January 31st, 1996, by means of the gazette notification No 896/2 of November 7th, 1995, and the University Act 16.08.1978, through the consolidation of resources from the Affiliated University College located in the Central, North Western, and North Central Provinces.
On September 2nd, 1996, the library system at Rajarata University commenced its operations. The Main Library began offering its services in October 1996, coinciding with the start of the first academic year of the university.