The Role and Services of Palm Leaf Manuscript Study and Research Library at the University of Kelaniya

Abstract

History of art of writing goes back to many hundred years. eventhough it in difficult state the year of Origin of art of writing it in clear that this origin must have happened some what earlier the civilizations of the world come in to existence. Use of palm leaf was a very popular communication method in Sri Lanka history. It seems that palm leaf art has faced a serious challenge in decay , non-use, non- attention and without any preservation and conservation mensuration Realizing these changes steps have been taken the preservation of palm leaf by various organization in Sri Lanka. Among all other palm leaf counters, the palm leaf manuscript study and Research Library (PMSRL) in University of kelaniya takes a special place. The principal purpose of the palm leaf manuscript study and Research Library is to collect, and copy all palm leaf manuscripts available in temples and in personal collection in order to create a digital library using modern technologies. The main objective of this paper is to investigate the role and service provided bypalm leaf manuscript study and Research Library. The other objective were to measure the value of traditional palm leaf preservation methods and to examine the importance of using modern technologic for palm leaf manuscript preservation. Field study method used for collection data and observation and interviews were conducted for gathering quantitative and quantitative data. It revealed that main obstacle faced in copying manuscripts was the insufficient knowledge and technologies. The dearth of knowledgeable person in palm leaf manuscript is another obstacle. Copying and digitization the content of palm leaf manuscripts are new method in their preservation. It can conclude that PMSRL provide a satisfactory role and service for the client.