As with most other state universities in Sri Lanka, The Universities Act No. 16 of 1978 and the Universities (Amendment) Act No. 7 of 1985 confer the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka the authority to operate as a unitary, residential, and autonomous university in Sri Lanka. In accordance with section 32 of the Act, the Rajarata University is led by the Chancellor, who is appointed by His Excellency the President of Sri Lanka and hold the office for a period of five years and preside the General Convocation of the University. As per section 33 of the Act, the officers of the Rajarata University of Sri Lanka are the Vice Chancellor, the Deans of the six Faculties, the Registrar, the Librarian, and the Bursar. These officers make the decisions and develop the plan for the University and oversee the implementation of such decisions and plans.