Colombo, Sri Lanka – 24th August 2024– On the third anniversary of the passing of the late Minister Mangala Samaraweera, his family is honouring his memory by gifting portions of his extensive and cherished personal library to three esteemed institutions: the Bandaranaike Center for International Studies (BCIS), the Jaffna Public Library, and a public library in Matara.
Mangala Samaraweera, the distinguished Sri Lankan statesman who served as both Foreign Minister and Finance Minister, began his career as a fashion designer and teacher after his education at Central St. Martins in London. His appetite for learning and interdisciplinary interests are vividly reflected in his library, which encompasses a wide range of subjects including current affairs, international relations, development studies, historical novels, best-selling fiction, poetry, queer literature, travel, languages, art, crafts, and photography.
The Bandaranaike Center for International Studies, a leading institution in Sri Lanka’s knowledge-sharing in International Relations for over 40 years, will play a key role in the process. The BCIS will assist in inventorying the collection, and receive the books most relevant to their focus on diplomacy and international affairs. This donation is particularly fitting, as it supports the continued education of those engaged in the diplomatic service and representing Sri Lanka in various industries on the global stage.
The decision to contribute to the Jaffna Public Library holds special significance. Mangala Samaraweera was deeply committed to restoring the storied Jaffna Public Library following its burning which he regarded as a tragedy for all Sri Lankans. During former President Bandaranaike Kumaratunga's tenure, he was a proud organiser of the ‘A Brick or a Book’ campaign, which sought to mobilize Sri Lankans countrywide in rebuilding and restoring the Jaffna Library and its invaluable collection. This donation represents a continued effort to redress that historical loss.
Additionally, a portion of the library will be taken to Matara to form a public collection, particularly around the arts and travel benefitting youth in his beloved Southern hometown.
This gifting is a tribute to Mangala’s lifelong dedication to knowledge and his belief in its power to bridge communities and foster understanding," said his sister Jayanthi Samaraweera.
"We hope this donation will inspire and educate future generations, continuing Mangala’s legacy of broad intellectual curiosity and commitment to public service."
The donation ceremony will take place in October following the inventory and selection of books by the libraries. A small portion of his collection will remain in the care of his family.
