The first academic year of the National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka commenced on 10 September 1955.

In 1890, as per the request of Pope Leo XIII, Monsignor Ladislaus Zaleski started exploring the possibility of a Papal Seminary for India, Burma and Ceylon.

Zaleski took up residence in Kandy, and chose an upland known as Ampitiya, that overlooks the Dumbara Valley.

The administration was entrusted to the Oblates of Mary Immaculate who were already instructing priests at St. Bernard's Seminary, Colombo.

The first academic year of the National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka commenced on 10 September 1955.