Kumarathunga Munidasa Library, Matara: A Pillar of Knowledge and Culture
Libraries are not just stores of books; they are knowledge preservation institutions, inspiration for learning, and sources of intellectual and cultural enrichment of society. No institution in Sri Lanka better exemplifies such an institution than the Kumaratunga Munidasa Library, the namesake of which was one of the island’s greatest scholars and national heroes. Located in the southern city of Matara, this library continues to be a vital hub of education and culture for the region, upholding the vision and spirit of Kumaratunga Munidasa, the founder of Sinhala language and literature.
Who Was Kumaratunga Munidasa?
Before the importance of the library can be understood, the person behind its name must be understood. Kumaratunga Munidasa (1887–1944) was a Sri Lankan literary legend, grammarian, poet, journalist, and reformer. He was very passionate about the revival and growth of the Sinhala language and was central to its modernization in the early 20th century.
Munidasa was convinced that the language of a country was the building block of its identity. At a time when British colonial administration was changing local culture, he worked to maintain the purity and richness of Sinhala and promote it. He founded the Hela Havula movement, whose aim was the promotion of the use of pure Sinhala and the rejection of the use of foreign words where they were unnecessary.
His endeavors instilled in the people of Sri Lanka national pride and an awareness of the language. He also worked in Tamil and Pali texts and promoted trilingual education as a unifying force between Sri Lanka’s multicultural groups.
His work lives on in his writings, educational reforms he instituted, and through institutions like the Kumaratunga Munidasa Library which is named after him.
Location and Establishment
The Kumaratunga Munidasa Library is situated in Matara, an ancient city in southern Sri Lanka famous for its rich literary and cultural heritage. The library was founded in order to commemorate the life and achievements of Munidasa, specifically his contribution to the southern region where he was born.
The library’s naming after Munidasa was a symbolic gesture that was in line with the ideals he promoted literacy, language acquisition, cultural awareness, and education for all. The library falls under the administration of the Matara Municipal Council and has developed into one of the most highly regarded public libraries in the Southern Province.
Architecture and Facilities
The Kumaratunga Munidasa Library is located in a well-built structure that has a blend of contemporary architecture with a respectful nod to traditional Sri Lankan architecture. The structure houses large reading rooms, a reference section, children’s reading areas, and facilities for hosting educational workshops and cultural events.
The library environment is serene and welcoming. They are designed to foster reading and study, benefiting from sunlight and air through natural ventilation making it a cozy environment for individuals of all ages. The organization also has facilities for computers, internet connection, and multimedia libraries to meet needs of modern study.
Library Collection and Resources
The crown jewel of any library is its collection, and the Kumaratunga Munidasa Library is no different. It has tens of thousands of books on a multitude of subjects ranging from literature to history, science to technology, religion to politics, philosophy to art. The library has books in Sinhala, Tamil, and English, reflective of the multilingual nature of the nation.
Of special concern is the Sinhalese language and literature collection of the library, which contains the works of Kumaratunga Munidasa himself and other eminent authors of the Hela Havula movement. This makes the library an excellent research facility for researchers keen on Sinhala linguistics and cultural studies.
The library subscribes to local and foreign newspapers, magazines, and journals, and their users are provided with access to current issues as well as academic information. Additionally, there is a developing digital section where users can access e-books, online databases, and other digital content.
Programs and Community Services
The Kumaratunga Munidasa Library is not just a building full of books. It is an active community center which provides various types of educational and cultural programs:
Reading Programs: Regular reading sessions are conducted by the library for children and adults to develop literacy and an interest in books.
Workshops and Seminars: Lectures on literature, language, history, and social subjects are organized in collaboration with nearby universities, schools, and NGOs.
Student Support: Students preparing for national examinations make use of the library for studying. Previous papers, reference materials, and silent study areas are available to them.
Cultural Festivals: Literary figures, language days (e.g., Sinhala Language Day), and national holidays are commemorated with events being organized.
Mobile Library Service: In a bid to reach rural populations who may not have easy access to books, the library has experimented with the same through mobile library services.
These activities are the same that foster and encourage reading habits, cultural consciousness, and taking education to the masses beyond library walls.
Role in Promoting Language and National Identity
The Kumaratunga Munidasa Library has a crucial role to play in preserving and promoting the Sinhala language, a responsibility that is equal to Munidasa’s life’s work. Through its collections, programs, and partnerships, the library ensures Sri Lanka’s literary and linguistic heritage.
It is also a symbol of national pride, particularly for Matara people and the people of the Southern Province. For numerous students, teachers, and scholars, the library provides the opportunity to study Sri Lankan history, language, and culture in an important way.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its significance, the library is faced with several challenges common to public institutions in Sri Lanka and other developing countries. A limited budget, lack of contemporary technology, and a requirement for more trained staff can hinder its capacity to assist the community to the fullest.
Additionally, with the increased use of digital media, fewer youths are making trips to libraries. In order to stay up-to-date, the Kumaratunga Munidasa Library will need to keep pace with the times by investing in digital materials, upgrading the IT infrastructure, and providing online services.
But such issues also bring opportunities. Through the assistance of the government, private donors, and international benefactors, the library could perhaps extend further and become a model public library not just for the south, but for Sri Lanka as a whole.
Kumaratunga Munidasa Library is more than a book-lending facility but a legacy of a man whose life was dedicated to enhancing language, culture, and national identity. As an educational institution facilitating education, literacy, and people’s involvement, it sustains Munidasa’s vision: a Sri Lanka which takes pride in its heritage, strong in cultural identity, and committed to lifelong learning.
In an era when tried values are threatened with oblivion and reading habits are declining, institutions like the Kumaratunga Munidasa Library are more essential than ever before. They remind one that while knowledge is a source of power, it is also heritage, and that it is our joint responsibility to preserve it for posterity.
Address: WGWX+V5P, Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Matara
Open Hours – 8AM – 5PM
Map of Kumarathunga Munidasa Library in Matara
