Public Library, Colombo

The Colombo Public Library was established in July 1925 after two older libraries were merged. From 1935, the collection was kept in a private mansion called Sirinivasa, where it stayed until 1990, after which the building became the mayor’s residence. As the collection and number of users grew, a larger purpose-built library became necessary.

In 1990, the main library moved into its current three-story modern building. The design is practical and reflects late 20th-century ideas about public spaces. It is often described as having an “open book” shape, with wide floors and open areas that make movement easy. The layout focuses on function, with large reading rooms, clear organization, and plenty of natural light rather than decorative details.

Today, the library holds close to one million books in Sinhala, Tamil, and English, including fiction, history, reference works, academic materials, and newspaper archives. It has separate sections for adults and children, a large Study Hall opened in 2000, and a small museum added in December 2025 to mark its 100-year history. The library is used daily, and visitors are welcome if they remain quiet and respectful.