The Mahawamsa palm leaf manuscript, a significant and great chronicle of Sri Lanka housed in the Main Library, University of Peradeniya and inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World International Register, was formally declared a world Heritage on 17 July 2024. This historic event took place at the University of Peradeniya, officiated by Audrey Azoulay, Director General – UNESCO.
This Mahawamsa manuscript comprises of 238 palm leaves, preserving an uninterrupted historical narrative spanning from the 6 th century BCE to 1815. It encompasses a diverse range of historical events, transcendding any single nation or religions context.
During the ceremony the World Heritage certificate was presented by the Director – General of UNESCO to Prof. G. H. Peiris, Chancellor of the University. The event was attended by the Vice-Chancellor Professor M. D. Lamawansa, Librarian R. Maheswaran alongside other distinguished guests including many academics, UNESCO representatives and members of the National Library Services Board.
