Archdiocesan Central Archives
The Archdiocesan Archives serves as the official repository of historical documents, records, and artifacts that chronicle the rich history of the Archdiocese of Colombo. Established to preserve and document the legacy of the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka, the archives provide valuable insights into the faith, traditions, and contributions of the Church to society.
Mission & Purpose
The primary mission of the Archdiocesan Archives is to:
- Preserve historical records, manuscripts, and documents related to the Archdiocese.
- Provide researchers, historians, and clergy with access to historical Church records.
- Maintain sacramental records for genealogical and ecclesiastical reference.
- Safeguard the heritage and legacy of the Catholic Church in Sri Lanka.
Structure & Key Officials
Archivist
Archdiocesan Archivist
Rev Fr Anthony Nilantha
Archbishop's House
Colombo-8, Sri Lanka
+94-11-2695471-2-3
Our Staff
Secretary to the Archivist
Sachini Thilanka
Archbishop's House
Colombo-8, Sri Lanka
+94-11-2695471
Collections & Resources
The archives house a vast collection of materials, including:
- Sacramental Registers: Baptism, Confirmation, Marriage, and Ordination records.
- Clergy Records: Historical records of bishops, priests, and religious members.
- Archdiocesan Documents: Pastoral letters, circulars, and decrees.
- Historical Artifacts: Photographs, vestments, and liturgical items of historical significance.
- Newspapers & Publications: Copies of Catholic newspapers and journals.
- Church History & Correspondence: Records detailing the growth and development of the Church in Sri Lanka.
Access & Research
The Archdiocesan Archives welcomes researchers, clergy, and members of the public who wish to access historical records. Due to the sensitive nature of some documents, access is granted upon request and approval.
- Submit a Request: Fill out the online research request form.
- Appointment Scheduling: Visits are by appointment only.
- Guidelines for Access: Researchers must adhere to archival policies regarding the handling of documents.
- Digital Records: Some historical records are available in digital format for easier access.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The Archdiocesan Archives is the official repository for historical, sacramental, and administrative records of the Archdiocese. It preserves and maintains documents related to the Church's history, clergy, and parishes.
Access is granted to clergy, researchers, and individuals with legitimate requests. Some records, such as sacramental registers, may have restricted access due to privacy and Church regulations.
To request a sacramental record (baptism, confirmation, marriage, etc.), you must submit a formal request through the Archdiocesan Archives office along with proper identification and authorization.
There may be a nominal fee for research assistance, document retrieval, or certified copies. Fees help support the maintenance and preservation of archival materials.
Visits are by appointment only. Researchers and visitors must schedule an appointment in advance and adhere to the archive's access policies.
Some records are available in digital format for easier access. However, due to the sensitive nature of many documents, not all archives are digitized or publicly accessible online.
Parishes are encouraged to submit historical records, photographs, and significant documents to the Archdiocesan Archives to ensure the preservation of the Church’s history.