D.S. Senanayake Public Memorial Library, Kandy: A Pillar of Knowledge and Culture in Kandy
In the middle of busy Colombo, Sri Lanka’s commercial capital, the D.S. Senanayake Memorial Public Library is a precious cultural and educational resource. The library was established in memory of D. S. Senanayake, Sri Lanka’s first Prime Minister, and is not just a memorial to an important figure in the nation’s history, but also a fount of knowledge for Colombo’s residents and beyond. It has become a valuable part of Sri Lanka’s cultural and intellectual life, offering a rich source of knowledge, resources, and a peaceful environment for study and reflection.
The Legacy of D.S. Senanayake
The title of the library is closely intertwined with the life and career of D.S. Senanayake, the individual who stood at the helm of the country’s struggle for independence in 1948. The “Father of the Nation” of Sri Lanka, he was the one who led the nation into self-rule and the post-colonial political landscape.
D.S. Senanayake’s period was highlighted by his focus on the agricultural sector, advocating self-sufficiency and emphasizing the precedence of education for national progress. As the inaugural Prime Minister of an independent Sri Lanka, he maintained that a highly educated population was the cornerstone of the new nation. His deep interest in national development and education paved the way for the creation of many educational institutions, including the D.S. Senanayake Memorial Public Library.
The library, therefore, is not just a building that contains books; it is D.S. Senanayake’s enduring vision of an enlightened and empowered people. It is an institution that continues to propagate his values of enlightenment and public service, offering an open platform for people from all backgrounds to learn and grow.
History and Establishment of the Library
The D.S. Senanayake Memorial Public Library opened in 1953, merely five years following the independence of Sri Lanka. Located on Colombo’s Torrington Square, the library was built to serve as an educational and cultural facility for the general public. The library was inaugurated with the aim of facilitating greater access to knowledge and providing a platform where people could engage with literature, art, and history.
Over the years, the library has expanded its collections, improved its facilities, and established itself as one of the most well-equipped public libraries in Sri Lanka. It has remained a source of information for not only the residents of Colombo but also students, researchers, and scholars from all over Sri Lanka. The library has emerged as an important source of information on subjects ranging from local history to global issues.
Architecture and Design
The D.S. Senanayake Memorial Public Library is an architectural masterpiece that showcases the blending of colonial and post-colonial architecture of Sri Lanka. The library building, constructed with the generous funds and support of the government, follows a classical colonial type of architecture, with grand columns, arch-shaped windows, and a fashionable facade. The functional and aesthetic design of the structure provides ample space for books, exhibitions, and public programs, and makes a visually striking presence in the cityscape.
The location of the library on Torrington Square, near other notable public buildings like the Colombo Town Hall, places it in a visible and accessible location in the city. The layout of the building was carefully planned to allow free flow of visitors, with well-defined areas for reading, research, and recreation. The main library hall is spacious and well-ventilated, with high ceilings and large windows through which natural light flows in, making the area congenial for readers and researchers.
Aside from the internal architecture, the surrounding area of the library is also quiet and serene, with gardens and open spaces in which one could sit and be at peace. The proximity to the Viharamahadevi Park also adds to the green and quiet environment, further making it conducive to quiet thinking or studying.
Library Collections and Resources
The D.S. Senanayake Memorial Public Library possesses an extensive and diversified collection of books, periodicals, and multimedia. Its holdings cover a wide range of literature, history, science, arts, technology, politics, education, and religion. The library aspires to be a library for all persons of any age and background and, as a result, makes materials accessible both in Sinhala and English to cater to the multi-lingual Sri Lankan community.
Books and Periodicals
A fine Sri Lankan literature and history book collection, a treasure for anyone interested in learning about the island’s cultural and political history, is available in the library. Global bestsellers, scholarly books, and reference books on various topics are also included in the collection and serve as a valuable resource for students, educators, and researchers.
In addition, the library is subscribed to a large number of national and international magazines and periodicals so that the visitors can have access to the recent advancements in science, technology, politics, and current events. The periodical section of the library is regularly updated to keep up with the evolving world.
- Digital Resources
In keeping with the times, the D.S. Senanayake Memorial Public Library has entered the digital era to augment its traditional book collections. The library has equipped itself with a range of computers and internet access, allowing visitors to browse digital databases, read e-books, and access other online educational material.
The library also has a computerized cataloging system, which provides ease for the readers to locate and identify books, periodicals, and other materials. The system serves to organize the vast collection of the library in a good way and make it easily available to all.
- Children’s Section
One of the unique features of the D.S. Senanayake Memorial Public Library is that it also includes a children’s section, where children are able to access books, comics, and educational material appropriate to their requirements and interests. The children’s section aims to inculcate the reading habit and learning in young minds at an early stage, with books divided into age groups ranging from picture books to more advanced fiction and non-fiction.
The library hosts storytelling sessions, workshops, and reading competitions regularly to involve the children and make them develop an interest in literature.
- Audio-Visual and Multimedia Resources
The library also provides access to some audio-visual resources, including films, documentaries, and educational videos. These resources complement the printed information within the library, giving users an alternative way of absorbing information. The multimedia section is especially popular among students who are more open to visual communication.
Services and Facilities
In addition to its vast collection of books and resources, the D.S. Senanayake Memorial Public Library offers a number of services to further ease and make library utilization more accessible.
- Membership and Access
The library is open to the public, and membership is simple to apply for residents. Membership allows one to borrow books, access digital resources, and visit library events. Students, senior citizens, and researchers have special arrangements, where they are provided priority access to certain materials. - Cultural and Educational Programs
The library also sponsors a myriad of cultural and educational programs on a regular basis that include author readings, literary festivals, book launches, and seminars. These programs are designed to pique the public’s interest, promote learning, and encourage discussion on a wide range of topics.
The library also stages art exhibitions and themed cultural events, highlighting Sri Lanka’s rich artistic and cultural diversity. These events form an important part of the library’s contribution to promoting cultural heritage and offering a platform for young local artists.
The Library’s Role in the Community
The D.S. Senanayake Memorial Public Library has become an integral part of the community in Colombo. It is more than a place for academic study but a cultural center where people go to meet, share ideas, and improve their lives through reading and learning.
The library’s quest to bring knowledge and culture within reach is aligned with a vision of a greater, more literate Sri Lanka that D.S. Senanayake had dreamt of. In a modern world in which technology is rapidly changing how we obtain information, the library serves as a reminder of the lasting importance of learning, reading, and mental stimulation.
A Pillar of Education and Culture
The D.S. Senanayake Memorial Public Library remains a fount of knowledge, culture, and history in Sri Lanka. It remains a monument to Sri Lanka’s first Prime Minister and a fulfillment of his vision of an educated, enlightened, and empowered people. Through its vast collections, diverse programs, and open doors, the library remains at the heart of the cultural and educational life of Colombo, and indeed the nation.
Contact Information
Address – Ahalepola Kumarihami Mawatha, Kandy 20000
Number – +94812223716
Email – kandsspl@sltnet.lk
Open Hours
8.AM – 5PM
Map of D.S. Senanayake Memorial Public Library
