Established in 1990, the National Library of Sri Lanka (NLSL) serves as the country’s main repository for published materials and as a hub for public literacy and information access. Located in Colombo, the library has become a central pillar of Sri Lanka’s information infrastructure and an invaluable resource for scholars, students, and the general public.
Mission and Goals
The National Library’s mission extends beyond mere preservation; it aims to promote literacy, education, and lifelong learning among all Sri Lankans. The library strives to provide equal access to information, bridging educational gaps and helping to uplift underprivileged communities.
Collections and Resources
The National Library’s collections are more extensive and diverse than those of the Museum Library, encompassing over a million items. The library’s collections include books, periodicals, government publications, and special collections that cover a broad range of topics from local literature and history to global sciences and technology. Additionally, the library houses works in Sinhala, Tamil, and English, reflecting Sri Lanka’s multilingual identity.
One unique section of the library is its Sri Lanka Collection, which consists of materials that are related specifically to the country’s history, culture, and people. This collection is invaluable for researchers focusing on Sri Lanka’s political, social, and cultural landscape, offering resources on topics ranging from ancient history and Buddhist studies to modern political movements.
Special Collections
The National Library is also home to several special collections. These include a Rare Books Collection, containing first editions and other significant works that are important for both historical and literary reasons. There is also an extensive collection of newspapers and periodicals, which are key resources for studying the daily lives, public opinion, and historical events of past decades.
In addition, the library houses an Oral History Collection which includes interviews and audio recordings of prominent Sri Lankan figures. This unique archive preserves the voices and stories of Sri Lanka’s past, providing future generations with an authentic record of the nation’s memories.
Digitization and Modernization
In recent years, the National Library has embraced digitization efforts to make its resources more accessible and preserve fragile items. The National Library’s Digital Library Project is an ongoing effort to create a digital archive of the country’s important documents and texts. This is particularly important in a tropical country where materials can easily deteriorate due to humidity and other environmental factors.
Outreach and Educational Programs
One of the National Library’s key roles is to encourage public literacy and education. To achieve this, the library hosts a variety of educational and cultural programs for children, teenagers, and adults. These programs range from reading clubs and storytelling sessions to workshops and seminars on topics like research skills, digital literacy, and language learning.
The National Library also has an extension program that includes mobile libraries and satellite branches across the country, bringing books and learning resources to rural and underserved areas. Through these outreach efforts, the library strives to ensure that everyone in Sri Lanka, regardless of their location or socio-economic background, has access to information and educational resources.
