Call for public comments on framework for national archives and records management legislation

The Sri Lanka National Archives on Wednesday (14) announced a call for public comments on the proposed “Framework for National Archives and Records Management Legislation.” This framework aims to modernise and strengthen the way Sri Lanka manages, preserves, and provides access to its vital archives and records.

The SLNA welcomes input from researchers, archivists, records managers, historians, and all concerned citizens. The proposed framework will have a significant impact on how public and private sector records are handled, ultimately shaping the preservation and accessibility of archives and records for present and future generations.

The framework was drafted by a committee appointed by the Secretary of the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs. It was led by Nigel Nugawela, Archivist and comprised Dr. Nadeera Rupesinghe, Director General National Archives, Prof. Rohan Samarajiva, former Chairman, Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA), Piyatissa Ranasinghe, former Director General, RTI Commission, Yamuna Ranawana, retired Deputy Legal Draftsman and Ravindra Priyantha Lal, Lecturer, University College of Ratmalana.

The framework document can be downloaded from https//bit.ly/slna. Responses can be sent till midnight on 29.02.2024 by post, e-mailed to dgna@archives.gov.lk or handed over by visiting the head office of the National Archives at No. 7, Philip Gunawardene Mawatha, Colombo 07 or the branch office at No. 4/6, Hemamali Mawatha, Kandy.