The Sri Lanka National Museum Library is part of the Colombo National Museum, which was established in 1877 by the British colonial government. This library is not only one of the oldest in the country but also among the most respected, attracting researchers, historians, and visitors who are keen to learn about Sri Lanka’s cultural and archaeological heritage.
History and Mission
The National Museum Library was established shortly after the museum itself, with the mission of supporting the museum’s objective to collect, conserve, and share the cultural and historical artifacts of Sri Lanka. This library serves as an archive of the museum’s collections, housing an array of books, manuscripts, and rare documents that document Sri Lanka’s historical, anthropological, and cultural evolution.
Collections and Resources
The Sri Lanka National Museum Library is renowned for its extensive collections that span a broad range of subjects, with a strong focus on anthropology, archaeology, and the arts. The library contains over 12,000 books and manuscripts, with some dating back centuries. Among its prized possessions are rare palm-leaf manuscripts which are handwritten documents made on palm leaves—a traditional method used in South Asia for centuries.
One of the unique aspects of the library’s collection is its extensive repository of colonial-era publications, including journals, travelogues, and other writings that provide insight into Sri Lanka’s colonial past. These documents are invaluable for understanding how colonial powers documented, interpreted, and often misinterpreted Sri Lankan culture.
Rare Manuscripts and Antiquities
Among the most prized items in the National Museum Library are its Ola leaf manuscripts. These are written on leaves of the Ola palm, inscribed with texts in Pali, Sanskrit, and Sinhala. The manuscripts encompass Buddhist texts, classical literature, medicinal recipes, and local administrative records from ancient times. Some of these manuscripts date back centuries and provide a fascinating insight into early Sri Lankan governance, culture, and spirituality.
The library’s holdings also include rare maps and lithographs that depict Sri Lanka in earlier eras, showcasing its changing geographical and political landscapes. This visual documentation helps researchers track the evolution of the nation’s territories, coastal lines, and political boundaries.
Facilities and Services
The Sri Lanka National Museum Library offers a range of services for scholars and visitors. Its reference library allows the public to study the materials on-site, providing access to resources that are otherwise difficult to find. While the library’s materials cannot be borrowed, photocopying and digital scanning services are available to assist researchers in gathering information.
The library has recently taken steps towards digitization, making some of its collections available online. This effort allows for the preservation of fragile materials and expands access to international researchers. Despite limited online offerings so far, digitization efforts are expected to grow over time.
