Colombo Public Library celebrates 100 years

The Colombo Public Library that celebrates its centenary has been rendering an unmatched and dynamic role in the, educational, cultural and information fields

By J.K.D.U Tilakaratne 
Colombo Public Library that has assumed leadership in the field of public library services in Sri Lanka and has given an impetus to the development in cultural and educational spheres celebrates her centenary this year (2025). History of the Colombo Public Library dates back to 1925 when it started with only a Lending Library and a Reading Room. It has now expanded into a system with a network of branch libraries and mobile libraries, and a study hall.  
The Late President J.R. Jayawardene’s father E.W. Jayewardene Q.C. was the mover of the concept of providing library facilities to the public. He was then a member of the Colombo Municipal Council. 
However the Public Library Project had been held up for want of funds until a great philanthropist James Fernando Chandrasekara donated his house “Siri Niwasa” (Present Mayor’s Centre) to house the public library with S.C. Block as Chief Librarian. His successors D.C.G. Abewickrema, Ishvari Corea, and M.D.H.Jayawardne with their wealth of knowledge, experience and incessant toil raised the public library to what it is today.  
It is of significance that Ishvari Corea, who initiated her career as a librarian of the Colombo Public Library, had counted a service of 36 years at the time of retirement as Chief Librarian. It was during her tenure of service that 14 branch Libraries, a mobile library service and the  Children’s Library Scheme for underprivileged children,  a UNICEF sponsored project, were started.
In 1980, the Public Library was shifted to the present building that facilitated several extra activities for children and the average reader as well.  The three-storey study hall was a later addition that met the increasing demand for study facilities. Opening of the new building of the Public Library is great boon to the people of Colombo and to the whole nation. 
The Colombo Public Library that celebrates its centenary has been rendering an unmatched and dynamic role in the, educational, cultural and information fields while being a public welfare facility that spearhead the public library services in the country. 
The Present Chief Librarian Varuni Gangbadaaracchchi has initiated several programmes to fall in line with the modern requirements. Automation of the library functions, digitalization project implemented with the help of the Library Services and Documentation Board and the information and communication technology to provide a new impetus to the services have helped in the efficient functioning of the institution. 
For the past 100 years of its inception, the Colombo Public Library has stood tall in the public library service in the country rendering an unmatched service to the whole nation. 
The staff of the Colombo Public Library has  organised a programme under the guidance of   Mayor of Colombo Vraie Cally Ballthazaar and  Chief Librarian  Varuni Gangabadaarachchi to celebrate this significant occasion that includes the  opening of the Library Museum, launch of a collection of short stories authorised  by  readers, the Art Competition on “Tomorrow’s Colombo”,  “Hundred for Hundred Drive” to rehabilitate 100 libraries affected  by the Ditwah catastrophe, and  meeting the ex- library staff and the senior library members to provide them with an opportunity to revoke nostalgic memories and experiences during their career. 
The main ceremony to celebrate the centenary of the Colombo Public Library will be held on December 19 (Friday).