Ocean University of Sri Lanka was established in 2014 under the Ocean University of Sri Lanka Act, No. 31 of 2014. Previously it was known as the National Institute of Fisheries and Nautical Engineering (NIFNI; established under Act No 36 of 1999). The NIFNI was the education and training arm of the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development of Sri Lanka. It has been recognized as a degree awarding institute by the University Grants Commission (UGC), Sri Lanka and it has been given the authority to offer four degree programmes in the fields of Marine Science and Nautical Engineering. Further, the institute offers a range of diplomas and certificate level courses and mobile programmes with a view to transfer technology in order to enhance the sector performance. Now the Ocean University is expanding her teaching and research potential as a fully fledge government University. The plans are underway to develop Ocean University as the regional leader among marine universities.