Prof Jayasiri Lankage (1936-2024):Pioneer in Library and Information Science education

Prof Jayasiri Lankage who died recently was born on September 10, 1936 at Kekanadura, Matara, studied for the GCE (AL) at Dharmasoka College, Ambalangoda in 1957 and entered to Vidyodaya University (Presently Sri Jayewardenepura University) earning a BA general degree in 1962. He then did a BA Honors degree in Archaeology in 1964 and an MA in Archaeology in 1967 at the same university. He obtained his postgraduate qualifications from Banaras Hindu University in 1969 under an Indian government scholarship granted in 1967.

After his higher education in India, he worked as a Lecturer in Library and Information Science, at the Junior University in Dehiwala between 1969-70. He then became the first lecturer in library science at the Kelaniya University on June 1, 1973. He was later Head of Department at the Department of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya (then Vidyalankara Campus) being the pioneer in this department of study.

During his tenure as head of department, Professor Lankage designed and developed a BA degree in Library and Information Science in 1973, a Postgraduate Diploma in  Library and Information Science in 1974, a three-tier Diploma in Library and Information Science to be completed in three years and a BA Special degree in  Library and Information Science in 1980.  During that period, the postgraduate diploma immensely helped librarians unable to earn postgraduate qualifications abroad necessary for promotional prospects.

The support he received from an earlier generation of veteran library professionals like Messrs. T.G. Piyadasa, N. Amarasinghe, Dr. Ian Goonetilleke, Mrs. Ishvari Corea, Prof .W.B. Dorakumbura, and Dr. A. Senadhira must be mentioned here. Professor Lankage was a change agent, and an outstanding pioneer of Library and Information Science education of Sri Lanka at University level.

He played a major role in introducing Library and Information Science  in to the higher education system of Sri Lanka. During his tenure as Librarian at the Kelaniya University, he introduced many changes and improvements in the services provided contributing much to the librarian profession in the areas of publishing, training, research and development. His contribution to Sri Lanka Library Association (SLA) in many capacities and services to the National Library and Documentation Services Board (NLDSB) is notable. He also served as vice-president and general secretary of the Organization of Professional Associations.

He was also of great service to the cinnamon industry helping in the formation of Ceylon Cinnamon Association and getting Sri Lankan cinnamon recognized by its botanical name “Cinnamomum zeylanicum Blume” by obtaining ISO accreditation. He also helped obtain NVQ status for cinnamon education.

May he attain supreme bliss of Nibbana!

Dr. W.A. Weerasooriya
Senior Professor, Dept. of Library and Information Science, University of Kelaniya