Who We Are and What We Stand For
The Sri Lanka Library Association (SLLA) is the premier professional association representing library and information professionals in Sri Lanka. Established in 1960 as the Ceylon Library Association (CLA), it was founded through the efforts of senior librarians committed to strengthening and developing the library profession. In 1974, the Association received statutory recognition under Law No. 20 of 1974, and its name was changed to the Sri Lanka Library Association. The Act was subsequently amended by Act No. 7 of 2004.
SLLA is committed to promoting the development of libraries and information services throughout Sri Lanka and advocating for the professional interests of library and information professionals. Its activities include providing professional education and training, conducting professional courses and examinations, awarding professional qualifications, promoting professional standards, and supporting continuing professional development. SLLA conducts its professional courses in English, Sinhala, and Tamil, providing opportunities for aspiring and practising library and information professionals from across the country to access professional education in their preferred language. Through these activities, SLLA contributes to building a skilled, ethical, inclusive, and future-ready library and information workforce.
Professional qualifications and training provided through SLLA are recognised by the Government of Sri Lanka as basic requirements for entry into careers in library and information science. As the national professional body representing the library and information profession, SLLA plays an important role in establishing professional standards and providing recognised pathways for career development. Its professional education and qualifications support individuals seeking to enter, develop, and advance their careers in the library and information sector.
SLLA professional qualifications also provide opportunities for further academic advancement. The Open University of Sri Lanka (OUSL) offers a two-year Bachelor of Arts Honours in Library and Information Studies for eligible holders of the relevant Higher Diploma in Library and Information Science Visit Open University of Sri Lanka. The National Institute of Library and Information Sciences (NILIS), University of Colombo, also provides postgraduate opportunities, including the Postgraduate Diploma in Library and Information Science (PGLIS) and the Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) for candidates with recognised professional qualifications, including the Chartered Librarian qualification of SLLA Visit NILIS, University of Colombo.
At the national and international levels, SLLA maintains strong professional relationships and affiliations. It is a founding and executive member of the Organisation of Professional Associations (OPA) of Sri Lanka and the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA). Through its professional programmes, multilingual education, partnerships, and international affiliations, SLLA continues to advance the library and information profession, strengthen professional recognition, and contribute to the development of Sri Lanka’s knowledge society.
Join the Sri Lanka Library Association
Connect. Grow. Lead. Shape the Future of the Profession.
Become part of Sri Lanka’s professional library and information community. Join the Sri Lanka Library Association (SLLA) and gain opportunities to connect with fellow professionals, develop your skills, access professional programmes, and contribute to the advancement of libraries and information services in Sri Lanka.
Take the next step in your professional journey.
Non-Corporate Membership is an entry-level professional membership category of the Sri Lanka Library Association (SLLA), established in accordance with the Sri Lanka Library Association (Incorporation) Law No. 20 of 1974, as amended by Act No. 7 of 2004, and the Rules and Regulations of the Association. It is intended as a pathway to Corporate Membership.
Eligibility
A person shall be eligible to apply for Non-Corporate Membership if he or she has:
- successfully completed the three-year professional course conducted by the Sri Lanka Library Association; or
- obtained an equivalent or higher qualification in Library and Information Science from a recognized university or other institution approved by the Council
The determination of the equivalency of qualifications shall rest exclusively with the Council of the Sri Lanka Library Association.
Membership Fees
Upon approval, the applicant shall pay the prescribed Annual Non-Corporate Membership Fee together with the prescribed Administrative and Processing Fee, which shall be payable only once upon admission. The Annual Membership Fee shall thereafter be payable in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Association.
News & Events
Advance Certificate Course on Library Automation (ACOLA) 2026/2027
Tags: News, Membership, Publications
65th Annual General Meeting of Sri Lanka Library Association
Tags: News, Membership, Library Development , Policy & Advocacy , Scholarships & Awards
National Conference on Library & Information Science (NACLIS) - 2025
Tags: News, Partnerships , Library Development , Digital Libraries , Annual Reports
Higher Diploma in Library and Information Science
One of the major activities of SLLA is the production of library personnel required by the country. Qualifications of SLLA are recognized by public and private sector organisations for recruitment and promotion of library personnel. SLLA is represented in governances of library related government authorities and institutions.
Course on Library Automation (COLA)
Certificate Course on Library Automation (COLA) is an esteemed course by the Sri Lanka Library Association (SLLA). SLLA conducts a library automation course to enhance librarians’ skills in utilizing Information Communication Technologies to disseminate and retrieve information. Course duration is 9 months. The core curricula include the usage of KOHA for database management in libraries.
