The Sri Lankan National Archives houses a wealth of documents, including service tenures, praveni pangu records, grain tax registers, crown grants, electoral registers, thombu, vihara dewala land records, and gazettes. These materials hold significant legal recognition and serve as valuable resources for research and reference. The National Archives encourages their use, and the following instructions and guidelines will be essential for your access.

Service Tenures / Praveni Pangu Records

These records offer comprehensive details about land ownership, including the owner's name and official designation, the location of the land, and the services provided.

Grain Tax Registers

The levy of grain tax has a long-standing history in Sri Lanka. The registers prepared for the collection of these taxes are referred to as certificates of registration for grain tax properties.

Crown Grants

Crown grants are official grants issued by the government, typically in recognition of an individual’s exceptional loyalty to the king or notable service. Within the Department of National Archives, you can explore the "sannas" from various eras, with a particular focus on the majority of "sannas" from the Nuwara era.

Electoral Registers

The Department of National Archives maintains electoral registers up to 1994.

Thombu

Thombu, introduced by the Portuguese, includes comprehensive details about the lands in all provinces under their control. The Dutch later maintained thombu records in a more systematic manner. There are three categories of thombu: Family Thombu, Land Thombu, and School Thombu.

Vihara and Dewala Land Records

These records document land grants awarded to Buddhist temples (vihara) or devala, issued by the king or authorized officials. The documents detail the village associated with the temple, the boundaries of the land, its size, the title number, and the dates of certification.

Gazettes

The Gazette is an official government publication that serves as a vital source of legal and administrative information. It encompasses a wide range of content, including new laws, regulations, government appointments, economic updates, updates on elections, public holidays, policy changes, tender announcements, various government decisions, and public advertisements. Published periodically, the Gazette keeps the public informed about governmental actions and is essential for understanding the legal framework and administrative processes of the country.

• We invite you to visit the Public Relations Division of the Department of Archives to obtain the necessary documents, copies, or translations.
• Before your visit, please present a valid form of identification (National Identity Card, Passport, Driving License, or Duty Identity Card) to the Security officers at the entrance of the Department. You will receive a visitor's permit, which must be worn at all times during your stay.
• Applications are available at the Public Relations Section. Please inform the officers at the counter of your requirements.
• A separate application must be completed for each document you wish to request.
• When requesting land documents, please ensure you have the title number of the property.
• Land records can only be issued for properties that you own.
• If you need to obtain land documents for properties not owned by you, such as for legal purposes, please provide a letter from a lawyer explaining the necessity.
• The Department of National Archives holds land records only up to the year 1948.
• Please bring a photocopy of your Identity Card.
• Complete the relevant applications and make payments at the Public Relations Office.
• For online payments, please transfer the specified charges to the account details provided below. Once completed, kindly send the receipt via WhatsApp to 0715440858.
• Director General National Archives, Account No. 086-1001-3-9026218, Peoples Bank, Thimbirigasyaya Branch
• Charges are as follows.
  • Search - Rs.60.00
  • Obtaining copies - Rs.240.00
  • Local Searches - Rs.600.00
  • For A4 size printing (page) - Rs.120.00 
  • For A3 size printing (page) - Rs.180.00
• Submit the completed applications and a copy of your ID to the Public Relations Division, and you will receive your bill after payment.

• You may contact the Public Relations Division during office hours to inquire if your documents are ready for collection.
• Click on the document names mentioned above to apply online.
• Complete the application form by filling in the required fields on the following webpage. Include the payment receipt for the applicable fee, a copy of your ID, and finalize the application.
• The Public Relations Division of the Archives Department will then contact you.
• You may either visit on the designated date to collect your documents or receive them by post, as instructed by the officers