The Standing Committee on Humanities and Social Sciences of the University Grants Commission, Chaired by Prof. Senaka Bandaranayike moved for the establishment of an Advanced Centre on Humanities and Social Sciences (NCAS) after studying similar centres in Princeton and Harvard in 2004. Harvard Lawyer, Hemamal Jayawardena was recruited to draft the Cabinet Policy Paper, Concept Note and NCAS Ordinance in May 2004, driven by a Steering Committee. After over 10 meetings attended by many deans of the government faculties of social sciences, humanities and arts, the steering committee came up with its final report and Ordinance.
The NCAS is a National Centre in Sri Lanka was finally set up by Ordinance in October 2005 under Section 24A of the Universities Act No. 16 of 1978 for the purpose of promoting advanced studies and research mainly in the fields of Humanities and Social Sciences.
The NCAS is home for research and intellectual interaction. It would promote reflective thinking, innovative ideas, creativity and originality among the academics.