The University of Colombo (informally the Colombo University or the UoC) is a public research university located primarily in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The oldest institution of modern higher education in Sri Lanka, it is also the largest university in the island specialised in the fields of natural, social and applied sciences as well as a leading study in mathematics, computer sciences and law. Founded in 1921 as the University College Colombo affiliated to the University of London and degrees were issued to its students from 1923 onwards. The university traces its roots to 1870 when the Ceylon Medical School was established. UoC has produced many notable alumni in the fields of science, law, economics, business, literature and politics. The university is a state university, with most of its funding coming from the central government via the University Grants Commission (UGC). Therefore, as all other state universities in Sri Lanka the UGC recommends its vice chancellor for appointment by the President of Sri Lanka and makes appointments of its administrative staff. Its motto is "Buddhih Sarvatra Bhrajate" which means "Wisdom shines forth everywhere" in Sanskrit.