The Government has taken action to computerize and inter-link the Jaffna Public Library with all other local universities in the country to exchange information, under the Uthuru Wasanthaya programme.

Messers SIERRA Information Technologies Ltd. have been entrusted the task of making a survey on this accord. Digital technology would enhance capacity of enhancing the library’s indexing system and such other allied functions. Measures have been taken to computerize and upgrade the Jaffna public library.

The library was built in many stages starting from 1933, and became a full fledged library. The first major wing of the library was opened in 1959 by then Jaffna mayor Alfred Duraiappah.

It was burnt down by a mob in June 1981. The library at the time of destruction was one of the biggest libraries in South Asia containing over 97,000 unique books and manuscripts. It was re-opened on February 14, 2003.

The new computerized environment will provide more opportunities to the students in Jaffna. Therefore, they will have the opportunity to expose themselves by obtaining information throughout the network system.