Ongoing Projects

Digitization of Times Collection

Times Collection is one of the major Photographic Collections and paper cuttings, which covers cinema, sports, arts, politics, economic affairs, cultural and religious affairs and many other fields. This is a rich source of information gathered by the Times of Ceylon Press, which is a mirror of the social, economic and cultural backgrounds during the period from 1946-1985.Times Collection is being digitized by scanning. By digitizing this collection, it would be preserved and will give accessibility to the researchers worldwide.

Digitization of Voters Registers

Voters Registers were prepared by the Colonial Secretaries office and later by the Department of Elections. All household numbers and occupants registered at that time are given in these registers. Large number of Voters Registers from the year 1931-1992 have been deposited at the National Archives covering all the districts of the Island. Voters Registers in the Colombo District are being digitized as the first phase.

Digitization and data base installation of the Times Collection and Voters Registers

Title of the Project	Description	Duration
Digitization of Times Collection	Times Collection which consists Images and Paper Cuttings on various subjects are being digitized	within this year
Digitization of Voters Registers	Large number of Voters Registers from the year 1931-1992 have been deposited the National Archives covering all the districts of the Island. Voters Registers in the Colombo District are being digitized as the first phase.	Within this year

Government of the Netherlands - MCH (Mutual Cultural Heritage)

Activities

Restoration of Dutch Records
Microfilming of Dutch Records
Computerization of Dutch indices. Dutch Reformed Church and Dutch Political Council Minutes
Translation, editing and publishing 3 Dutch volumes
Diary of the tour of Governor lssac Augustijan Rumpf from Colombo to Hanwella and commandment of Galle 1717
Diary of the tour of Governor lssac Augustijan Rumpf from Colombo to Jaffna 12th December, 1719 -4th February, 1720.
Dutch Sinhalese Dictionary Complied by Amos Comenius as an introduction to a study of the language.
Re-checking of Tombos and identifying of loose pages
Training in Records Management, Preservation and Conservation

Benefits of MCH Project

Minimize the chemical, Biological and physical deterioration of Dutch records
Convenience in accessing information
Promotion of the awareness of mutual cultural heritage.
Providing copies to public for legal and research purpose without delay.
Preservation of information on Dutch Administration for Sri Lankans, Hollanders and other interested parties.
Promotion of research using Dutch records.
Enhancing of training facilities and obtaining proper knowledge in management and preservation of records and archives.

Prof: Mr.K.D.Paranavithana

MCH Director (National Archives) Roelof Hol, Dr.Saroja Wettasinghe, Director National Archives and MCH Project Manager Jinna Smit with team of the Dutch Records Project (in 2010)