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Abstract

Budding literature across the world explores the antecedents of Information Professionals in historical societies while there is a paucity of knowledge on them in ancient Sri Lankan context. Therefore, the study attempts to explore the nature of history of Information Professionals in ancient Sri Lanka employing a qualitative approach through content analysis of primary sources such as inscriptions. The study brings to light a silhouette of professionals engaged in preserving information from the early historic period to the end of the Kandyan kingdom. These officials were mentioned as scribes, chief secretaries, registrars and record keepers such as Lapana, Kanapedika, Mahale, Muk-hi, Mukaveti, Sanhas Sivatta Nayinarun, and Sannissiwatte Kulaperumal. Most importantly, they were members of the Royal Council. Duties of these officers involved noting down the orders of the Kings, keeping copies in different formats for future reference, setting up inscriptions/manuscripts/charters, and being accountable for recording, attesting, publicizing and provision of access to the information.

The research contributes to the literature on Information Science studies as well as historical literature, while it deepens existing knowledge by focusing on a new-fangled look at ancient primary sources. This novel information provides access to a new arena for further research on the history of Sri Lankan information preservation institutions such as lekamge and badageba etc.

Keywords: Sri Lanka, Information professionals, Inscriptions, History, Antecedent