The government Oriental library was incorporated in to Colombo National Museum library, and served as the nucleus of the library collection by collecting the local publications during the past 129 years

The National Museum of Colombo is the largest and oldest museum in Sri Lanka. It is located in the centre of the city, close to the Beira Lake. The museum was built in 1876 and had its origins in a cabinet of curiosities belonging to the Royal Asiatic Society. It houses a collection of artifacts and antiques that date back to the 5th century BC. The museum also houses a library with over 200,000 volumes of books, manuscripts, and photographs related to Sri Lanka's culture and history. The museum has a vast collection of antiquities, artifacts and other items related to Sri Lanka's history and culture.

The collections include items that date back to the 5th century BC, such as ancient coins, jewellery, pottery, stone sculptures, and weapons. It also houses a unique collection of palm-leaf manuscripts, which are some of the earliest written records of Sri Lankan history. Other items include ancient coins, jewellery, pottery, stone sculptures, and weapons. The National Museum of Colombo is a great place to explore the history and culture of Sri Lanka. It houses a wide range of artifacts and antiques that offer a unique insight into the island's past.