The Higher National diploma In Engineering (HNDE) programme at present is being conducted at the Institute of HNDE , Mattakkuliya which provides an attractive opportunity for students who aspire to obtain a middle-level engineering qualification to realize their goal. This course has been designed on the findings of a manpower survey conducted by the NTTTC(National Technical Teacher Training College) in 1985. HNDE programme was started in 1986 under the Ministry of Higher Education to meet the requirements of middle level engineers in the field of engineering. Nowadays there is a big demand for skilled manpower especially in the field of engineering locally as well as internationally. HNDE programme is based on the policies and guidelines provided by the Business and Technology Education Council (BTEC) in the United Kingdom. This course is geared to impart the newest engineering techniques used in the modern industry.

The HNDE programme is governed by the Sri Lanka Institute of Advanced Technological Education (SLIATE) under the Ministry of Education.