The National Library and Documentation Centre (then the National Library of Sri Lanka) was established in 1990. It intends to provide library and information resources to all Sri Lankans through the National Library and Documentation Centre and network of libraries and resource centres; assist them to achieve intellectual and cultural advancement supporting the development of Sri Lanka.

The National Library and Documentation Centre has 5 floors with floor area of 11,250 sq. m.. At present the book stock is approximately two hundred and fifty thousand (300,000). There are three reading rooms and several study rooms with a total seating capacity of 320, air conditioned auditorium with 120 seats and a conference room with 60 seats.

The NLDC is a reference library and open to all members of the public. It does not lend books to individual readers but on occasion it lends books to selected libraries on inter-library loan for reference purposes. There is an information desk on the ground floor to help with inquiries. Photocopies are provided at reasonable rates.

Aims and Objectives

• To make available for the use of all sections of the community a national collection of library and documentation resources appropriate to their needs 
• To preserve the national and cultural heritage of Sri Lanka through the establishment, development and maintenance of a national collection of library and documentation materials published in or relating to Sri Lanka 
• To receive copies of Sri Lankan publications under the Printers and Publishers Ordinance 
• To acquire, by purchase or otherwise, copies of publications published in, or relating to Sri Lanka or foreign publications relevant to the needs of Sri Lanka 
• To provide bibliographic services including national bibliographic services . 
• To establish and create a national bibliographic database of documents and publications published in or relating to Sri Lanka 
• To publish the Sri Lanka National Bibliography 
• To provide reference, information, referral, reprographic and documentary research services to all sections of the Sri Lankan community 
• To facilitate access to the library and documentation resources which are or may in future become available in or outside Sri Lanka to all members of the community 
• To promote, advise and assist in the establishment, development and maintenance of library and documentation networks, including networks of public, school, academic, government and other libraries and documentation centres serving all sections of the community in Sri Lanka 
• To promote and facilitate co-operation and resource sharing among libraries and documentation centres at national and international levels including exchanges of library materials, inter-library lending and document copying and the training and exchange of staff 
• To promote the introduction and efficient application of new information technologies in libraries and documentation centres in Sri Lanka through the application of such technologies in the work of the centre and to provide advice, assistance and training to other bodies regarding the introduction of such technologies and /or promotional activities