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Sri Lanka Collection

The National Library of Sri Lanka has been a deposit library since 1976 and receives copies of Sri Lankan Publications under the Printers and Publishers Ordinance of 1885. However, the building of the Sri Lanka Collection commenced since the establishment of the Sri Lanka National Library Services Board in 1970. Other methods of publications acquired to enrich the Sri Lanka Collection include purchasing, exchange of publications, gifts and donations. Other than general reference material, the National Library is interested in acquiring books published in Sri Lanka, books published on Sri Lanka in foreign countries and books by Sri Lankan authors. This collection is supplemented by 38 special collections of eminent scholars, 05 collections of others and 13 collections of National Institutions and International Organizations.

Reference Collection

The main reference collection contains some Tertiary Sources such as General and Subject Encyclopedias, Dictionaries of English Language, other languages, Bilingual Dictionaries and Subject Dictionaries, Composite and Subject Glossaries, Year Books, Almanacs, Directories, International, National and Subject Biographies, Maps, Atlases, Gazetteers, Guide Books, Hand Books, Manuals and Thesaurus etc.

Foreign Collection

In addition to the main Sri Lanka Collection, the National Library actively acquires materials published abroad that have a direct relevance to Sri Lanka. This collection is developed through the International Exchange Programme, as well as through purchases and donations, ensuring comprehensive coverage of
Sri Lanka–related publications produced worldwide.

Palm-Leaf Collection

Although the number is quite small, National Library has a fairly good collection of Palm-leaf manuscripts and its developing continuously. This valuable and rare indigenous library material collection consists of palm leaf (ola leaf) manuscripts in Sinhala, Pali and Sanskrit languages of Buddhism, Buddhist Sutras, Ayurvedic medicine, Sinhala language and Literature, History, Astrology, Jathaka Stories, Charm, Occultism etc. Literary works published for over several decades as well as number of ola manuscripts of national importance included in this collection.

Periodical Collection

Current information can be obtained from the articles of periodicals. Therefore, periodicals are of great importance where research is concerned. All periodicals published in Sinhala, Tamil and English in Sri Lanka, are acquired by the National Library, according to its acquisitions policy. Foreign Periodicals too acquire in the fields of Social Science, Humanities, Science and Technology and Library and Information Science. Periodicals are acquired through purchases, exchange, gifts and donations.

Newspaper Collection

The complete National Newspaper Collection from 1976 to date deposited in the library attracts a large number of researches and readers to the library. The collection is being microfilmed at present and the newspapers can be used either in microfilm form or the original form. In addition microfilm edition of a number of leading national newspapers are being acquired to the national collection. The present stock of newspapers contains approximately 1677 titles.

Thesis Collection

Building of a theses and dissertation collection was commenced in the latter part of 1999. The theses/ dissertation submitted to obtain PhD, M. Phil, MA, MLS degrees from a recognized university or a similar institution in Sri Lanka or abroad by Sri Lankans are acquired. The subject for the theses should be
relevant to Sri Lanka. These/ dissertation submitted after 1980 are given priority in acquisition. Researchers and academics are requested to hand over a copy of the thesis to Acquisition Division. An honorarium of Rs. 7500/- for a PhD thesis and Rs. 5000/- for a MPhil or two-year Masters degree thesis will be paid.

Application for Acquisition of Theses

Folklore Collection

This is an important collection where the oral literature is preserved in the form of writing or audio visual media. It includes a large collection of manuscripts written by late Mr. Peter Wijesinghe an eminent folklorist in Sri Lanka. Sinhalese Folk Songs, Sinhalese folk Tales, Sinhalese Legends, Sinhalese Customs and Ceremonies, Rituals, Deities and Demons of Sri Lanka, Betel Customs, Traditional Cookery, Folk Beliefs, Essays on Paddy Cultivations, Essays on Chena Cultivations, Essays on Agricultural Customs, Village Names of Sri Lanka, Place Names of Sri Lanka, Essays on Elephant Lore, Bee keeping, Gods and Goddess etc. are some of his writings in folk culture.

ICH Collection

Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) is promoted by UNESCO as a counterpart of the World Heritage which focuses mainly on the aspects of culture. Intangible Culture includes songs, music, drama, skills, cuisine, annual festivals, crafts and the other parts of culture that can be recorded but cannot be touched. National Library and Documentation Services Board is involved in the project known as Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Government Publications

This collection includes publications such as Bills, Acts, Ordinances, Parliamentary Debates (Hansards), Sessional Papers, Parliamentary Series, Gazettes, Sri Lanka Law Reports, New Law Reports, Administration Reports, Commission Reports, Hand Books, Guide Books, Directories, Project Reports, Blue Books, etc. published on Sri Lanka by various Institutions. These institutions are Presidential Secretariat, Parliament, General Treasury, Government Ministries, Departments, Corporations, Statutory Boards, National Institutions, Institutions connected to Local Government, State Banks, Limited Liability
Companies etc. Government publications are acquired through deposits, purchases and donations.

Map Collection

Special emphasis is given on building up a complete collection of maps relevant to Sri Lanka. Building up of a map collection commenced in 1980. The map collection comprises of world maps, Ceylon/Sri Lanka maps and maps of various other countries. The map collection is divided under sections such as one-inch maps – scale 1:63500, Sri Lanka Metric Maps – scale 1:50000, Land use maps, Historical maps, Satellite maps, Road maps, Provincial wise maps, District wise maps, and Divisional Secretarial wise maps, etc.digital maps are also available.

Library & Information Science Collection

As the leading institution in the field of Library and Information Science, National Library maintains a comprehensive and an up-to-date collection of materials on Library and Information Science. The Library and Information Science collection of the National Library is considered one of the country’s best collections in this field. This collection contains reference sources such as Encyclopedia of Library and Information Science etc., Glossaries pertaining to Library and Information Science. Primary sources such as Monographs, Conference Proceedings, Reports and all leading professional journals.

Special Collections

The private collection of Martin Wickramasinghe, a foremost writer in Sri Lanka is one of the largest of such collections. This collection was donated to the National Library by the Martin Wickramasinghe Trust. The collection consists of his personal collection of books, draft manuscripts of his writings, personal items such as his desk, typewriter, pen, wrist watch, armchair and a number of cultural artefacts collected by him. In addition to this collection, private collections of over 50 eminent scholars, and some collections of others and thirteen (13) collections of National Institutions and International
Organizations are made available for reference purposes. Such personal collections received are,

    • The Private collection of Mr. Martin Wickramasinghe a foremost writer in Sri Lanka
    • Professor A. V. Suraweera Collection Professor Brandon Gunaratne Collection
    • Professor Carl Gunawardhana Collection .
    • Professor D. E. Hettiarachchi Collection
    • Professor Miniwan P Thilakaratne Collection
    • Professor Pandith Gunapala Senadeera Collection
    • Professor Ralph Pieris Collection
    • Professor Russell Bowden Collection
    • Professor Tikiri Abeysinghe Collection
    • Professor Wimala Wijeyasuriya Collection
    • Dr. E. M. Wijerama Collection
    • Dr. H. A. P. Abeywardena Collection
    • Dr. K. Jayatilake Collection
    • Dr. M. H. Peter Silva Collection
    • Dr. Nandana Karunanayaka Collection
    • Dr. P. B. Sannasgala Collection
    • Dr. S. G. Samarasinghe Collection
    • Dr. Susunaga Weeraperuma Collection
    • Mr. A. P. S. Galapatha Collection
    • Mr. Cyril C Perera Collection
    • Mr. D. C. D. Alwis Collection
    • Mr. Edmond Samarakkody Collection
    • Mr. G. D. Ranasinghe Collection
    • Mr. K. B. Jinadasa Pathirana Collection
    • Mr. Lional Fernando Collection
    • Mr. M. J. Perera Collection
    • Mr. Madawala S Ratnayaka Collection
    • Mr. Mervyn Casichetti Collection
    • Mr. Oliver De Soysa Collection
    • Mr. P. Wattegama Collection
    • Mr. Peter Jayasuriya Collection
    • Mr. Peter Wijesinghe Collection
    • Mr. S. H. Wanasinghe Collection
    • Mr. Sunil Shantha Collection
    • Mr. U. D. I. Sirisena Collection
    • Mr. W. M. A. Warnasuriya Collection
    • Mr. W. M. A. Warnasuriya Collection
    • Mr. Jayalath Manorathne Collection

Audio-Visual & Microfilm Collection

Audio visual materials to be used as teaching aids or as information sources are included in this collection. Microfiches including annual reports of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, government publications of Sri Lanka, Bibliographies of some of the National Libraries in the Asia Pacific region, International Standard Serial Report Collection by the Department of External Resources. These include research reports, progress reports, technical reports, census reports, statistical reports and various types of project reports related to Sri Lanka. In addition, this collection consists of various reports submitted by
foreign and local experts as a part of development projects funded by International donor agencies. Drama Manuscript Collection, The National Library commenced building up a collection of Drama Manuscripts in 1995. Numbering (ISSN) register etc, Microfilms including theses and dissertations on Sri
Lanka, some of the National Newspaper etc, Audio-cassettes, Video tapes, CDs and DVDs and Gramophone records of Sri Lankan songs, documentaries, plays and tele dramas etc.

Audio Book Collection

In order to build up a national collection of Braille literature for readers with special needs in the country, the National Library commenced acquiring Braille and large print books in June 1990. This collection consists of a large number of Braille and large print books mainly received as donations. National Library and Documentation Services Board (NLDSB) in collaboration with the Daisy Lanka Foundation started an information service for these readers in the National Library. The objective of this service is to provide facilities for the readers with special needs to search information providing special information resources to suit their needs. This service includes a collection of audio books and databases useful for readers with special needs. This service was officially inaugurated on 20th October 2014 at the National Library and Documentation Services Board. NLDSB hopes to expand this service to other libraries on their agreement in the future.

Children’s Book Collection

The Children’s Book Collection consists of books from pre grade to grade five (05), on all subjects. The collection contains material received under deposits, purchases, gifts and donations. Organizations are made available for reference purposes. Such personal collections received are,

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