National Archives' monthly lectures of 'historical' value

As part of its efforts to enhance public awareness and knowledge of records of historical value in its possession, the Department of National Archives (DNA) is conducting a series of free public lectures every month.

The lectures, delivered in English, are on the last Thursday of every month, and have been ongoing since January, last year, DNA Director, Dr Saroja Wettasinghe told the Sunday Times.

The lectures are from 3.30 pm to 4.15 pm with 15 minutes allocated for questions and answers.

Dr. Wettasinghe said the aim of initiating the lecture series was to enlighten the public regarding the wealth of historical records in the possession of the DNA. It is hoped the lectures will encourage students, researchers and the public interested in history, to become more involved in the workings of the Dept.

Each lecture is delivered by an expert in the relevant field and has a different theme. All the experts have utilised the records in the care of the DNA in the course of their research.

For example, last month’s lecture was by Prof. Sandagomi Coparahewa under the theme “W.A. Silva’s Contribution to Sinhala Journalism.”

Other lectures delivered as part of this series, include “World War II and Sri Lanka” by G.P.S.H. De Silva, “General Elections of Ceylon from 1931 to 1965” by Das Miriyagalla, “Aftermath of the 1818 Uprising: British Administrative Changes in the Kandyan Provinces” by Prof Anura Manatunga, “Care of People with Mental Illness: Lessons Learnt in the British Period” by Prof Nalaka Mendis, and “The Malwana Convention: Myth or Reality?” by Dr K.D.G. Wimalaratne.

This month’s lecture on July 28 at 3.30 pm at the DNA, will be the 18th of this series. It will be by the Editor of “Business Mantra”, V.K. Munasinghe, who will speak on, “Why Primary Sources are Important.”