Department of National Archives Sri Lanka

History and Founding

The archival tradition in Sri Lanka extends to the ancient Sinhalese kingdoms, with officers appointed to maintain royal archives as far back as the third century BC. Systematic archives keeping was introduced by the Dutch, who occupied the maritime districts from 1640 to 1796, initially housing records at Galle and later Colombo. When the British took over the coastal territories in 1796, they inherited the Dutch records, amounting to over 7,000 volumes now preserved at the National Archives. The formal position of Archivist and Librarian was established in 1902 within the Chief Secretary's Office, with R. G. Anthonisz as the first holder. Following Sri Lanka's attainment of Dominion Status in 1947, the Department of the Government Archivist was created. In 1966 it was renamed the Department of National Archives. The current department operates under the National Archives Law No. 48 of 1973, as amended by Act No. 30 of 1981.

Collections and Holdings

The department holds an extensive range of public records spanning several centuries. Colonial-era holdings include Dutch VOC records, British colonial administrative records, Ordinances (1796–1947), Government Gazettes, Blue Books (1821–1937), Sessional Papers (1860 onward), Administration Reports (1867 onward), and Hansard parliamentary reports (1870 onward). Notable donated collections include the Horagolla Library (part of the Bandaranaike estate), the Times of Ceylon Collection, and materials from Buddhist temples. The holdings also include colonial maps, post-independence Surveyor General's maps, and election literature.

Notable Materials

Of particular interest for media and journalism research are the extensive newspaper collections, including the Times of Ceylon Collection, and comprehensive government gazette records. The National Film, Television, and Film Archives, established in 2014 in the extension building, preserves audiovisual heritage.

Access and Usage

The department's headquarters is located at No. 7, Philip Gunawardena Mawatha (Reid Avenue), Colombo 7, and a branch office operates in Kandy (established 1983). An online catalogue is available at the department's website. Access to records follows provisions of the National Archives Law No. 48 of 1973.