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Established
in 1845, the Library is and has been synonymous with
the Society. It has almost 9,000 volumes including rare
and valuable books and 117 title of Journals. The Library
is also in possession of extremely rare collections
of manuscripts of national interest belonging to the
17th and 18th centuries collected over two centuries. |
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: Library of RASSL |
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Library is primarily for the use of the members of the Society.
Other readers may be admitted, by prior appointment, for a
limited period of time. Though it is mainly a reference library,
members are allowed to borrow two books at a time from the
lending section. |
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Access
to the collections is restricted, the readers should first
identify the required books and journals from the catalogue
and place the requisition with the Assistant Librarian who
will then provide the book to the table of the reader if it
is available. |
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Subject
Areas |
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The Library covers
all areas which come under the objectives of the society, which
are to institute and promote inquiries into the History, Religions,
Language, Literature, Arts, Sciences and Social Conditions of
the present and former peoples of the Island of Sri Lanka and
connected cultures |
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Collections |
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Charles
Ambrose Lorenz Collection |
- A collection purchased
by the RAS
by the Asia Foundation from Mr. Guy Grenier in 1964. This consists
of 42 volumes which include C.A. Lorenz's writings, poetry,
sketches, letters, appreciations, speeches, lectures, The Christmas
Debates, his last will, newspaper cuttings and other Lorenziana.
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P.R.
Anthonis Collection |
- A collection of books and
journals donated by Dr. P. R. Anthonis in 1989. |
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McAlpine
Collection |
- A collection of books belonged
to late Mr. W.R. McAlpine, former member of the RAS Council
donated in 1994 by his heirs, Mr. and Mrs. Harry and Mary Johnson.
The collection contains 120 books. |
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S.D.
Jayasundera Collection |
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Mr. Manukulasooriya Collection |
Donated by Mrs. Manukulasooriya as
his wish |
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Catalogue |
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A manual catalogue
is available at the library. An electronic catalogue is being
compiled. |
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Services
available |
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Photocopying facilities
are available at the library at prescribed rates. Materials
older than 50 years are not permitted to be photocopied.
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Internet facility
is available for members |
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