Plant Pathology as a practice began in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) during British rule, in 19th century, although there had been an awareness of plant disease among people since ancient times. The causes of plant disease have, however, been attributed to the evil influences of stars or the wrath of gods.

The first scientific approach on a plant disease in the country was following the mysterious appearance of coffee rust disease in 1869 which ruined the once flourishing coffee plantations in the central hills. Today Plant Pathology is practiced in Sri Lanka as a science at a high level of professionalism.