The ancient manuscript available in Temple Libraries in Marata district

Abstract

Religions establishment such as temples and monasteries in Sri Lanka could be recognized as knowledge an information centers where manuscript are collected organized and disseminated for the benefit of people. In these institutions the knowledge produces by the nation. The collected and protected in the formed manuscripts. Monastery libraries are common to all districts in the country. Among this district a Matara district places a significant role in the collection and preservation of manuscript culture in Sri Lanka. The main objective of the research was to identify the ancient manuscript collection in the temple libraries in Matara district. The other objectives were to identify the type of manuscript available and the subject content in the manuscript. The method of research was the survey method and data for the study was gathered from a selected sample of 16, temples in a Matara district. Primary data was collected using direct participation, interviews and observation. Further secondary data was gathered through literature survey. It was identified that these collection include Ola leaf as well as paper manuscripts. In addition few text books, newspapers and periodicals were who found in these collections. Further it was revealed that majority of temples in the sample had palm leaf manuscripts on varies subjects such as Buddhism, history, indigenous medicine, astrology, astronomy.