The 5th International Research Conference of the National Library of Sri Lanka 2026 (ICNATLIB 2026), organized by the National Library and Documentation Services Board, was held on 8 September 2026 at the National Library Auditorium under the theme “Libraries: Global Knowledge, Cultural Memory and Digital Futures.”
The event was graced by Hon. (Dr.) Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Sri Lanka, as the Chief Guest; Mrs. Roshni Thomson, First Secretary (PIC), High Commission of India in Colombo, Sri Lanka, and Acting Director of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre, as the Guest of Honour. Keynote speech was delivered by Senior Prof. Premakumara de Silva, Director General, National Institute of Social Development (NISD), Sri Lanka.
The Guest Speakers were Senior Prof. H. N. Prabhath Jayasinghe, Secretary General, Sri Lanka National Commission for UNESCO; Ms. Viji Thiyagarajan, Director, British Council Libraries, Global; and Mr. K. Pathmananthan, Country Director, Room to Read Sri Lanka.
Following the inauguration, the scientific sessions commenced on four parallel tracks at four technical sessions. A total of 29 research papers were presented by local and international scholars, providing a valuable platform for knowledge sharing and academic exchange. ICNATLIB 2026 reflected the vibrant spirit of scholarly inquiry among emerging researchers and professionals while creating a strong foundation for future academic collaboration, research, and professional advancement.