Libraries in Sri Lanka in the Ancient Anuradhapura Period: a Historical Account (250 B.C. – 1017 A.D.)

Historical evidence from the Mahawamsa and Culawamsa reveals that ancient Sri Lanka, during the Anuradhapura period (250 B.C. – 1017 A.D.), hosted numerous monastic libraries, likely associated with major Buddhist learning centers such as the Mahavihara, Abhayagiri, and Jetavana. While direct records of these early libraries are scarce, their existence is corroborated by ancient literary sources, marking a significant milestone in Sri Lankan bibliographic tradition. The study highlights how Buddhism's introduction under King Devanampiyatissa and the arrival of Arahant Mahinda and Sangamimtha catalyzed literary and educational development, establishing foundational repositories of knowledge that enriched monastic education.

Ranaweera, R., & Ranasinghe, P. (2014). Libraries in Sri Lanka in the Ancient Anuradhapura Period: a Historical Account (250 B.C. – 1017 A.D.). Journal of the University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka, 17(1), 66–75. https://doi.org/10.4038/jula.v17i1.6645