Whispers of centuries past echo within these walls. Right here stands the Department of National Archives in Colombo. It is more than just a building. It is the memory of Sri Lanka.
The Department of National Archives safeguards the nation’s non-current government records. Its story stretches back further than you might imagine. Royal archives existed as far back as the 3rd century BC. Officers maintained these archives for Sri Lankan monarchs.
But modern archiving took root with the Dutch in Galle. In 1901, the Government of Ceylon created the position of Government Archivist. This was within the Chief Secretary’s Office. R.G. Anthonisz became the first Government Archivist in 1902. The Department of the Government Archivist was formally established in 1947. Then in 1973, the National Archives Law was enacted. It was then renamed the Department of National Archives.
Inside the Department of National Archives reside treasures from bygone eras. There are records from the Portuguese. Dutch records fill over 7000 volumes. British records tell tales of colonial rule. Crown Grants document land ownership. Grain Tax Registers detail economic life. Nila Pangu and Praveni Pangu registers offer insights into social structures. Records since independence in 1948 are also kept safe here. These include documents from government and other institutions.
The Department of National Archives also houses donated collections. The Horagolla library from the Bandaranaike estate found a home here. So did the Times of Ceylon Collection. Even records from Buddhist temples are preserved. Election literature reveals past political battles. Maps depict the changing landscape of the island. Government publications offer a glimpse into the past. These include pre-independence Ordinances from 1796 to 1947. Government Gazettes, Blue Books, Sessional Papers and Hansard reports enrich the collection.
The Department of National Archives moved several times due to war threats and space needs. It resided in Nuwara Eliya and at Vidyodaya University. A branch opened in Kandy in 1983. The main office in Colombo 7 was completed in 1986. An extension building with modern facilities opened in 2012.
The Department of National Archives stands as a testament to Sri Lanka’s rich history. It safeguards the documents that shape its identity. The Department is committed to preserving the memory of the nation.