Library Collections

Collections built for study, research and preservation.

Explore the Library’s core circulating resources and specialist collections supporting Buddhist scholarship, Sri Lankan studies and academic research.

Browse Collections

Find the right collection for your enquiry.

Use the Library OPAC to identify individual holdings, then contact Library staff when specialist access or research assistance is needed.

Reference Collection

Authoritative in-library resources for quick consultation and scholarly enquiry.

Collection details

Lending Collection

The core circulating collection supporting teaching, learning and independent study.

Collection details

Short Term Reference Collection

Authoritative in-library resources for quick consultation and scholarly enquiry.

Collection details

Sri Lanka Rare Collection

Resources connected with Sri Lankan heritage, religion, history, culture and scholarship.

Collection details

Tripitaka Collection

A specialist collection supporting Buddhist studies and Theravāda scholarship.

Collection details

Palm Leaf Collection

Rare manuscript heritage preserved for research, scholarship and cultural continuity.

Collection details

Digital Manuscripts

Digitally preserved manuscript materials for improved discovery and research access.

Collection details

Sri Lankan paintings

Artworks showcasing Sri Lanka’s culture, heritage, landscapes, and history.

Collection details

Prof. Ven. Pollamure Soratha Collection

Scholarly materials on Buddhist, Pali, and Sinhala studies.

Collection details

Prof. Rathna Handurukanda Collection

Scholarly materials on Buddhist, Sanskrit, Pali, and Sinhala studies.

Collection details

Ven. Halpitiye Samithasiri Collection

Scholarly materials on Buddhist, Pali, and Sinhala studies.

Collection details

Code R

Collection Overview

Reference Collection

Authoritative in-library resources for quick consultation and scholarly enquiry.

Includes dictionaries, encyclopedias, annual statements, magazines, rare books, scientific and technical documents, government publications, and selected university materials. Reference resources are primarily intended for consultation within the Library.

Reference use: Reference resources are primarily intended for in-library consultation. Short-term issue conditions may vary by user category and Library rules.

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Code L

Collection Overview

Lending Collection

The core circulating collection supporting teaching, learning and independent study.

A broad academic collection available to eligible registered members according to Library borrowing rules, loan periods and renewal procedures.

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Code SR

Collection Overview

Short Term Reference Collection

Authoritative in-library resources for quick consultation and scholarly enquiry.

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Code SL

Collection Overview

Sri Lanka Rare Collection

Resources connected with Sri Lankan heritage, religion, history, culture and scholarship.

A focused collection that supports research into Sri Lankan intellectual, cultural, historical and religious traditions.

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Code T

Collection Overview

Tripitaka Collection

A specialist collection supporting Buddhist studies and Theravāda scholarship.

Canonical and related Buddhist texts selected to support teaching, research, textual study and advanced scholarship.

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Code PL

Collection Overview

Palm Leaf Collection

Rare manuscript heritage preserved for research, scholarship and cultural continuity.

Palm-leaf manuscript resources of cultural and scholarly value. Access may be subject to preservation and supervised-use requirements.

Specialist access: Please contact Library staff before planning detailed manuscript research or requests involving fragile originals.

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Code DM

Collection Overview

Digital Manuscripts

Digitally preserved manuscript materials for improved discovery and research access.

Digital surrogates and manuscript-related resources that extend access while supporting long-term preservation of fragile originals.

Specialist access: Please contact Library staff before planning detailed manuscript research or requests involving fragile originals.

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Code SP

Collection Overview

Sri Lankan paintings

Artworks showcasing Sri Lanka’s culture, heritage, landscapes, and history.

A curated collection of artworks highlighting Sri Lanka’s landscapes, cultural heritage, historic architecture, wildlife, and traditional life.

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Code PS

Collection Overview

Prof. Ven. Pollamure Soratha Collection

Scholarly materials on Buddhist, Pali, and Sinhala studies.

A special scholarly collection featuring books, publications, manuscripts, research papers, and archival materials related to Buddhist, Pali, and Sinhala studies.

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Code RK

Collection Overview

Prof. Rathna Handurukanda Collection

Scholarly materials on Buddhist, Sanskrit, Pali, and Sinhala studies.

A special collection of Sanskrit publications, research works, photographs, and archival materials associated with the former University of Peradeniya professor.

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Code HS

Collection Overview

Ven. Halpitiye Samithasiri Collection

Scholarly materials on Buddhist, Pali, and Sinhala studies.

A special scholarly collection featuring books, publications, manuscripts, research papers, and archival materials related to Buddhist, Pali, and Sinhala studies.

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Search First

Looking for a specific title or author?

Use the BUSL Library OPAC to search the catalogue by keyword, title, author, subject or ISBN.

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