The Faculty of Applied Sciences of the University of Sri Jayewardenepura which was established in 1961, enjoys the distinction of being the second oldest Faculty of the University. Even though it was first established as a Faculty of Science, it pursued a path somewhat unconventional to such a faculty implementing many new and revolutionary ideas.

The Zoology Museum is a result of the right vision of the former academia. It was first started on the ground floor of the Sumangala building along with the science section at that time. Later, the Zoological Museum was brought to its present location at the main building of the Department of Zoology. The founder Curator of the museum was Mr. E.B. Kotalawala. Since then, the Curators, with the support from Academics, supporting staff, researchers and volunteer students contributed immensely to uplift the museum to present level.