Establishment of the “Scholars’ Corner” of the Library, University of Colombo

The instigation of the first ever “Scholars’ Corner” in a university library in Sri Lanka has taken place at the Library, University of Colombo on 17^thJuly 2023. The initiative came to fruition by receiving the first generous book donation from Emeritus Professor J.B. Disanayaka, consisting of nearly 300 books related to the Sinhala Language, Art, Literature, History, and Archeology authored by himself.

The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Senior Professor (Chair) H.D. Karunaratne (Vice-Chancellor of the University of Colombo), Guest of Honour, Emeritus Professor J.B. Disanayaka, and other distinguished guests such as Senior Professor Lasantha Manawadu (Dean, Faculty of Arts), Dr. Pradeepa Wijetunge, (Director, NILIS), Mrs. Sajeewanie D. Somaratna (Acting Librarian), Mr. K.A.S. Edward (Registrar), and Heads of the Departments along with other academic staff of the University. Several dignitaries from outside the University of Colombo, such as university academics, librarians, authors and book publishers, also graced the occasion with their presence.

The audience was welcomed by the Acting Librarian of the University of Colombo, Mrs. Sajeewanie D. Somaratna who explained the objectives and advantages of having a “Scholars’ Corner” at the University Library. Consequently, Professor Sandagomi Coperahewa (Head, Department of Sinhala, University of Colombo) shed his thoughts on the significance of inaugurating a “Scholars’ Corner” while thanking the Acting Librarian and the staff of the Library for their efforts. Adding more insight into the event, Senior Professor Lasantha Manawadu (Dean, Faculty of Arts) also addressed the gathering. The Chief Guest of the event, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Colombo, Senior Professor (Chair) H.D. Karunaratne, appreciated the new initiative and encouraged the Library staff to promote more such good activities in the future, as well. The Guest of Honour of the event, Emeritus Professor J.B. Disanayaka, exchanged fond memories from his past experience, which was very exciting and inspiring to all. The book donation was ceremonially handed over to the Vice-Chancellor and the Acting librarian by Professor J.B. Disanayaka. Mrs. Samanlatha Menike Adhikari, Senior Assistant Librarian of the Main Library, University of Colombo, delivered the concluding remarks with thanks.

The inspiration of establishing this type of collection was received from Professor Sandagomi Coperahewa for enabling researchers having easy access to books and monographs published by the eminent scholars of the University by aggregating them in a single location of the Library. The “Scholars’ Corner” will promote the research and scholarly activities of the researchers of the University of Colombo while encouraging them to publish more scholarly publications in their respective fields of discipline.