The roots of formal linguistic study in Sri Lanka trace back to the early 20th century, influenced by the global shift toward modern linguistics pioneered by Ferdinand de Saussure. Sri Lankan scholars, such as S. H. Perera—who studied under the renowned Daniel Jones—and later academic giants like Prof. Sugathapala de Silva, were instrumental in introducing analytical linguistic principles to the island. While linguistics was initially taught within broader humanities frameworks at the Universities of Colombo and Peradeniya, the growing academic demand for a dedicated discipline led to the formal introduction of Linguistics as a subject at the University of Colombo in 1968.

The Department of Linguistics at the University of Kelaniya (then the Vidyalankara University) was born out of the national university restructuring of 1972. Originally functioning alongside Modern Languages, it gained its independence as a standalone Department of Linguistics in 1973. The late Professor S. L. Kekulawala served as the visionary first Head and the first Professor of the Department, laying the groundwork for what would become a premier center for linguistic scholarship in South Asia.

From its inception, the department was a pioneer in multilingual education, offering General and Special Bachelor of Arts degrees in both Sinhala and Tamil media. In 1980, the Tamil medium programs were transitioned to the University of Jaffna, leading the department to focus primarily on Sinhala-medium linguistic studies while expanding its reach through specialized certificate courses. Recognizing the practical needs of a globalized society, the department introduced BA in Translation Methods in 1975. A certificate course in Sinhala was also introduced, attracting students from countries such as Great Britain, the United States, Switzerland, Canada, China, Russia, and Japan.

The Department has consistently pushed the boundaries of research, establishing its postgraduate foundations with the launch of the Master of Arts (MA) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programs during the late 1970s and 1980s. The 21st century ushered in a period of rapid diversification, beginning with the introduction of the Diploma in Tamil in 2010. This expansion continued in 2011 with the simultaneous launch of the BA in Tamil as a Second Language and the Diploma in Translation and Interpretation. A landmark milestone was reached in 2015 with the inauguration of the BA (Hons) in Translation Studies, further solidifying the Department's role as a premier center for professional language training and academic excellence.

Today, the Department of Linguistics stands as a robust academic hub, blending theoretical rigor with professional expertise to advance the study of language as both a human science and a vital tool for national reconciliation and global communication.