“We strongly believe in the value of reading, and the importance of free access to quality books. By upgrading the libraries in the cultural centers people will get the opportunity to read books written on various subjects in different languages, selected by a representative committee. It is particularly encouraging that a large number of women are reading books from these libraries. The project also helps and encourages the writers of Sri Lanka as the Ministry of Culture purchases their books for the libraries” Norwegian Ambassador Hilde Haraldstad commented.
The Embassy started assisting libraries in the cultural centers in Sri Lanka in 2004. Totally, the Embassy has granted 19,9 million Rupees for this purpose. In addition to the established libraries, mobile libraries are used as a tool to reach out to those who live in remote areas.