Jaffna Library

The Jaffna Public Library, often referred to simply as the Jaffna Library, is a historic institution located in Jaffna, a city in the northern region of Sri Lanka. Established in 1933, the library served as a cultural and educational hub for the Tamil-speaking population of the region, housing a vast collection of books, manuscripts, and archival materials. The Jaffna Library quickly gained prominence as one of the largest and most important libraries in Asia, boasting a collection of over 97,000 volumes, including rare and valuable texts on a wide range of subjects, including literature, history, religion, and science. It played a vital role in promoting literacy, education, and intellectual development among the Tamil community in Sri Lanka. Tragically, the library was targeted and destroyed during the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka in 1981. The burning of the Jaffna Library was a devastating loss for the Tamil community and a blow to the country's cultural heritage. Tens of thousands of books and manuscripts, including irreplaceable historical documents and literary treasures, were lost in the fire.

In the years following the destruction of the library, efforts were made to rebuild and restore the institution as a symbol of resilience, reconciliation, and cultural revival. The new Jaffna Public Library was inaugurated in 2001, featuring modern facilities and amenities, as well as a digitization project aimed at preserving and digitizing the surviving collection of books and manuscripts. Today, the Jaffna Library stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the enduring spirit of the Tamil community in Sri Lanka. It continues to serve as a vital center for education, research, and cultural exchange, providing access to knowledge and information for the people of Jaffna and beyond. The library also hosts exhibitions, events, and educational programs aimed at promoting literacy, preserving cultural heritage, and fostering reconciliation in post-war Sri Lanka.