Third National Library Research Symposium 2019 (NatlibSYMPO 2019)

The National Library & Documentation Services Board of Sri Lanka conducted the National Library Research Symposium on Library and Information Science (NatlibSYMPO 2019), in collaboration with the Asia & Oceania section of IFLA, on 31 October 2019 at the National Library premises, Colombo. It is the third of its annual series organized by the Library Research Division, to provide an excellent opportunity for researchers to discuss the issues and challenges relating to the fields of Library & Information Science and Social Sciences. The conference provided a platform for a pool of academics, professionals, researchers and students to share and discuss new knowledge created in the field that will positively reinforce the functionality of library field.

The theme of this year’s conference “Library, Information and Documentation in a Context of Transformation” was chosen to address many aspects of growing importance of the value of libraries in the country. The conference sub themes focused on current issues, the latest research achievements, innovative ideas, and latest developments of the Library and Information Science field.

Mr. R. M. M. Rathnayake, Additional Secretary (School Affairs), Ministry of Education, Sri Lanka was the Chief Guest of the symposium while Prof. Rohan Samarajiva, Chairman, Information & Communication Technology Agency (ICTA), Sri Lanka was invited to deliver the keynote address. The inspiring keynote speech delivered on “Transformation of Library Services” was a revelation to all who gathered at the symposium. A large number of participants representing various types of libraries such as public, academic, school and special libraries attended the symposium.

The symposium had presentations of about twenty-one selected research papers covering a wide range of subjects relevant to the theme of the symposium. They were presented in four technical sessions chaired by experts in research arena, such as Emeritus Prof. K. A. P. Siddhisena from Department of Demography, University of Colombo, Dr. Ruwan Gamage, Senior Lecturer from NILIS, University of Colombo, Mr. Prasanna Ranaweera, Director from NILIS, University of Colombo and Mr. N. Ravikumar, Senior Assistant Librarian from Eastern University, Sri Lanka. Prof. W. A. Weerasooriya, Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka delivered the Valedictory address. The inspiring presentations and fruitful discussions were conducted in a high-level platform to formulated possible guidelines for future development.

Presenting a memento to the Chief Guest at NatlibSYMPO 2019

A section of gathering at NatlibSYMPO 2019

Lighting of traditional oil lamp by Mr. W. Sunil, Director General of the National Library & Documentation Services Board at the Symposium

Lighting of traditional oil lamp by Chief Guest, Mr. R. M. M. Rathnayake, Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Education at the Symposium

Keynote Speech delivered by Prof. Rohan Samarajiva, Chairman of Information & Communication Technology,  Agency (ICTA), Sri Lanka at the Symposium

One of the technical sessions chaired by Emeritus Prof. K. A. P Siddhiseana (Department of Demography, University of Colombo &  rapporteured by Ms. Senani Bandara (Director, NLDSB)

Valedictory session led by Prof. W. A. Weerasooriya, Department of Library & Information Science, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka