To provide leadership for libraries of all categories in Sri Lanka, leadership in providing information to the nation and for all services.

Establishment, development and maintenance of a complete national collection of written, printed and non print media published in Sri Lanka or abroad.

Establishment and maintenance of Bibliographic and Documentation Services.

Advise the government on matters relevant to the Library and Information Science field.

Organization of human resources and Promotion of physical resources for the development of libraries in Sri Lanka.

Encourage the local book publication and promotion of reading.

Encourage utilization of Information Technology for library and information services.

Promote co-operation with the institutions and organizations at national, regional and international level related to library and information field.

Organization of library and information services respecting to the cultural identity of different groups in the society.

Provide resources and organize services needed for academic research activities.