The NPAS is affiliated to the FIAP, as its authorised representative and the operational member for Sri Lanka. The National Photographic Art Society of Sri Lanka was established in 1950, as an autonomous body for the propagation and advancement of photography as an art form, and to disseminate it as a subject of educational interest. Our prime mover in this venture, the founder late Mr. Wilson Heg
oda, with the able support of the enthusiasts, late Mr. Hilton Samarasinghe, Prof. De Silva and a few other personnel, instituted a group initially named as "Amateur Photographic Association" on 15th February 1950. A month later, it was renamed as "The National Photographic Art Society of Ceylon"
In the year 1959, as a foremost project, conducting classes on photography were started in the vernacular Sinhalese language with free of charge. Since then classes leading to a recognised diploma, are being conducted on a regular basis and are immeasurably successful. This diploma course is also registered under the Tertiary and Vocational Education Commission, which is the regulating body of vocational training in the country.
