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by Don Asoka Wijewardena

The Jaffna library which was destroyed at the beginning of the ethnic war will be reopened in January 2003.

The construction work is nearing completion with state-of-the-art facilities at a cost of Rs. 120 million. The library was the repository of knowledge in South Asia comprising valuable books on a wide range of subjects, local and international magazines, journals, periodicals and other important documents on science, law, history, politics and culture. Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena, Minister of Rehabilitation, Resettlement and Refugees, said at a press conference held at his ministry recently.

Minister Dr. Jayawardena said that it was the fervent hope of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's government to restore unity and harmony between Sinhalese and Tamils and strengthen the mutual relationship. He said that the reconstruction of the Jaffna library was the brainchild of former Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar as it was a national treasure, which catered to the needs of people from all walks of life.

The Chief Engineer, in charge of the reconstruction, C. Thiruchelvam, said that the library is equipped with fire-fighting equipment, air-conditioners, alarm bells and other electrical equipment and it would be ready for use in December.

"Within a period of 10 months since assuming power, the UNF Government on the directive of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, allocated a sum of Rs. 48 million to my ministry to reconstruct the library with the required infrastructure facilities. Our government's motive is to expedite development programs in the North and East due to the widespread devastation it experienced as a result of the war. The most vital task the government is faced with is to create a civilised and virtuous society enriched with mutual understanding between Tamils and Sinhalese which seems to be deteriorating," Dr. Jayawardena added.

According to the Ministry of Rehabilitation,several international organisations such as UNESCO and the Ford Foundation in the United States have donated very valuable reading materials to the Jaffna library. Countries like India (Tamil Nadu) and China have positively responded to the request made by Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena for donations.

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