The University of Peradeniya is a renowned state university in Sri Lanka, funded by the University Grants Commission. It was established as the University of Ceylon in 1942. The University of Peradeniya hosts eight faculties (including the newly added Allied Health Science faculty), two Postgraduate Institutes, 10 Centres, 73 departments, and teaches about 11,000 students in the fields of Medicine, Agriculture, Arts, Science, Engineering, Dental Sciences, Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science and Allied Health Science. It claims to the largest government endowment by a higher educational instiution in Sri Lanka, based on its large staff and faculties/departments. In 2010, according to University Ranking by Academic Performance (URAP), University of Peradeniya ranked 1426th in the world. It is the only Sri Lankan university ranked under URAP. Located in a site that touches the lower slopes of the lush mountains of Hanthana, University of Peradeniya is famous for its natural beauty. Its picturesqueness has inspired many intellectuals like Prof. Ediriweera Sarachchandra, Sri Lanka's premium playwright.