I am pleased to send this message to the 50th Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka Library Association (SLLA). Libraries have been closely associated with the ancient culture and civilization of Sri Lanka; as shown by evidence of libraries referred to as 'Pothgul' in the periods of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambadeniya, Kotte in our history. At present, library services are developing in almost all sectors of the country
. Libraries attached to schools, universities and other higher educational institutes as well as research institutes, Government Departments and Local Government Authorities, play a vital role in providing knowledge and information. From the expansion of general knowledge to furtherance of education and research, libraries play a vital function in the progress of the society.
The Sri Lanka Library Association has rendered commendable service in improving the library infrastructure in the country. Training librarians, research and publication and other professional activities carried out by the association, laid the necessary foundation for the development of modern libraries in Sri Lanka.
I extend my best wishes for the 50th Annual General Meeting of the Sri Lanka Library Association and wish them all success in their future activities.
Mahinda Rajapaksa
President
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
28th June 2010
