This essay provides a critical survey of the governance question of the Sri Lankan university system and offers ideas for reform. A key point advanced in this essay is that good governance in our universities is not a goal that can be achieved through legistlation alone, or by orders from above. It argues that the regeneration of an active, alert and assertive university community, animated by the ideals of democracy, social justice and common good, is an important precondition for good governance reforms.