Twenty-five eminent Buddhist activists, headed by Dr C A Hewavtharana, gathered to discuss as to how lay Buddhists could directly involve and contribute for the development of religion and for socio-economic development of Buddhists, and resolved that to establish an organization for the purpose.

The first congress of the Organization was presided over by Sir D B Jayatilake, and delivering the inaugural speech he said, `This morning we give birth to an institution that will have much influence on our people. This is a small beginning. We are only planting the seed now.The sprout form this seed, if we nurse it, protect it, and not allow it to wither from the ailment of discord,will grow

In the year 1919 Srilanka’s leading Buddhist activities headed by Dr.C.A.Hewawitharana met at Ananda College, Colombo and established the Congress in tha name and style of All Ceylon Buddhist Association Congress. The first elected president of the Congress was Sir D.B. Jayathilaka. Due to the Persist of the organization in 1920 the name of the association was changed to read as “All Ceylon Buddhist Congress. The   Organization was  incorporated by the act  of Parliament No 24 of 1955 and declared as a charitable institution with tax exemption.

A two storied building belonged to Late Mr. B W William, built for the purpose of providing lodging for Bikkhus as well as lay Buddhists visiting Colombo from abroad and from outstations, was donated to the Congress by his wife and son. Mr. William, an eminent Buddhist activist, during his time has contributed immensely for the development of the Congress