The National Library of Sri Lanka: History, Development, and Modern Role
The National Library of Sri Lanka: History, Development, and Modern Role
📑 Table of Contents
Introduction
Key Phases in the Development of the National Library
Early Foundations (1870–1885)
Growth Through Policy and Reform (1955–1970)
Establishment of the National Library Services Board
Library Development Projects Across Sri Lanka
Public Library Reforms and Legislation
Provincial Library System and Expansion
Support for Education and Professional Development
Book Development and Publishing Support
Construction of the National Library Building
National Library Collections and Resources
National Bibliography and Documentation Services
Role in Information Networking and Research
Vision and Importance of the National Library
Conclusion
1. Introduction
The National Library of Sri Lanka stands as a vital institution dedicated to preserving the country’s intellectual and cultural heritage. Its journey spans more than a century, shaped by policy reforms, international collaboration, and evolving educational needs.
Understanding its development helps highlight its importance in national growth, education, and information access.
2. Key Phases in the Development of the National Library
The evolution of Sri Lanka’s National Library can be divided into three major periods:
1870–1885 – Early foundations
1955–1970 – Policy development and planning
1970–1990 – Institutional growth and expansion
Each phase contributed significantly to shaping the modern library system.
3. Early Foundations (1870–1885)
The origins of a national-level library in Sri Lanka date back to 1870 with the establishment of the Government Oriental Library. Its primary goal was to collect and organize manuscripts written in Pali, Sanskrit, and Sinhala.
Although this library existed for only a short time, it laid the foundation for future developments. In 1877, it was merged with the National Museum Library, which later became a key repository of knowledge.
Another milestone came with the Printers and Publishers Ordinance of 1885, introducing the legal deposit system. This law required publishers to submit copies of publications to designated institutions, ensuring the preservation of national literature.
4. Growth Through Policy and Reform (1955–1970)
Between 1955 and 1970, several government reports emphasized the importance of establishing a National Library.
Key developments included:
Recommendations to link public libraries with a national system
Proposals to combine collections from major institutions
Recognition of the need for a central research and reference library
Important collections identified for integration included:
National Archives
National Museum Library
Royal Asiatic Society Library
Department of Archaeology Library
International expertise also played a role, with UNESCO advisors highlighting the urgency of creating a national library system.
5. Establishment of the National Library Services Board
A turning point came in 1970 with the establishment of the Sri Lanka National Library Services Board (NLSB) through an Act of Parliament.
The Board was assigned responsibility for:
Establishing the National Library
Developing library services across the country
Coordinating different types of libraries
This marked the beginning of a structured national library system.
6. Library Development Projects Across Sri Lanka
One of the earliest initiatives was the Kandy District Rural Library Development Project (1972–1974).
This UNESCO-supported project aimed to improve access to libraries in rural areas by:
Developing school and public libraries
Providing books, furniture, and training
Conducting user education programs
Its success made Kandy one of the best-served districts in terms of library services.
7. Public Library Reforms and Legislation
In the 1980s, efforts were made to strengthen public libraries through policy reforms.
Key proposals included:
Making public library services compulsory
Establishing dedicated library units in local government
Ensuring regular funding for libraries
Introducing national standards for library services
Although implementation faced administrative challenges, these reforms laid the groundwork for future improvements.
8. Provincial Library System and Expansion
With the introduction of Provincial Councils, library development strategies were restructured.
The Provincial Library Development Project (1989) introduced:
Provincial Library Authorities
Central libraries in each province
District-level library networks
Improved coordination between libraries
This system aimed to create a nationwide network connecting all levels of libraries.
9. Support for Education and Professional Development
The National Library Services Board has played a major role in improving library education and professional standards.
Key contributions include:
Establishing university-level Library Science programs
Providing training workshops and seminars
Offering distance learning for rural librarians
Library professionals were also officially recognized, improving their career status and opportunities.
10. Book Development and Publishing Support
To promote local literature, the Board introduced several initiatives:
Financial support for publishing new manuscripts
Assistance programs for authors and publishers
Editing and preservation of classical Sinhala texts
Hundreds of books have been published under these schemes, contributing to the growth of Sri Lankan literature.
11. Construction of the National Library Building
The construction of the National Library building was a major achievement.
Key features include:
Completion after more than a decade of construction
Capacity for hundreds of readers
Multiple reading halls and research spaces
Auditorium and seminar facilities
The design incorporates elements of traditional Sri Lankan architecture, blending heritage with modern functionality.
12. National Library Collections and Resources
The National Library houses a wide range of collections, including:
Reference materials
Newspapers and periodicals
Sri Lanka-specific publications
Legal deposit collections
Rare books and manuscripts
Maps and special archives
These collections support research, education, and cultural preservation.
13. National Bibliography and Documentation Services
The National Library is responsible for compiling the National Bibliography, which records publications produced in Sri Lanka.
While progress has been made, challenges remain:
Delays in publication
Limited coverage of materials
Need for retrospective bibliographic records
Efforts are ongoing to improve these services.
14. Role in Information Networking and Research
Today, the National Library plays a key role in information sharing and research support.
Its functions include:
Acting as a documentation center
Coordinating library networks
Supporting research in multiple fields
Facilitating resource sharing between institutions
It aims to become a central hub for information access in Sri Lanka.
15. Vision and Importance of the National Library
The National Library is not just a research institution—it is a service-oriented organization that supports national development.
Its mission includes:
Expanding access to knowledge
Supporting education and innovation
Connecting communities through information
Like ancient irrigation systems that distributed water across fields, the National Library distributes knowledge across the nation through a network of libraries.
16. Conclusion
The National Library of Sri Lanka has evolved through decades of planning, reform, and development. From its early beginnings in the 19th century to its modern role in information services, it has become a cornerstone of the country’s educational and cultural landscape.
As Sri Lanka continues to develop, strengthening the National Library and its network will be essential for empowering citizens, promoting literacy, and preserving the nation’s rich heritage.
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