Variety of Palm Leaves Used for Writing Manuscripts in Ancient Sri Lanka

Palm leaf manuscripts are among the most important historical documents in Sri Lanka, and there is a rich and long history of writing on palm leaves. However, it is extremely challenging to manufacture natural palm leaves suitable for writing. Not all kinds of leaves can be used for writing, choosing suitable leaves is not simple. Several factors must be considered when selecting suitable leaves for writing on manuscripts, namely ease of preparation, durability of the leaves, ease of handling the leaves, and ease of storage. There is evidence that various types of palm leaves were used to create palm leaf manuscripts from ancient Sri Lanka. These palm leaf manuscripts contain historical, cultural and religious information about Sri Lanka. Palm leaf manuscripts can be considered a means of preserving Sri Lankan knowledge. The main objective of this study was to investigate the variety of palm leaves used to write palm leaf manuscripts. The research was based on past and present documents related to this topic, and the desk research method was used. We conducted this study using published books, journal articles, conference papers, bibliographies, websites, and various studies on palm leaf manuscripts. We collected information on the variety of palm leaves used for writing. All the collected data was thematically analysed according to the variety of palm leaves used for writing. Three varieties of palm leaves were used for writing in ancient Sri Lanka, including the talipot palm (Corypha umbraculifera), the lonta palm (Corypha utan) and the palmyra palm (Borassus flabellifer). However, this research revealed that the talipot palm (Corypha umbraculifera) and the palmyra palm (Borassus flabellifer) were most commonly used. This research identified special features that led to the use of palm leaves for writing. Furthermore, it highlights the traditional techniques of writing on palm leaves and their cultural value. The examination of various sources used for the research revealed that the manuscripts of Sri Lanka provide a deep understanding of their culture.