A STUDY OF DR. K.D.G. WIMALARATNE'S ROLE IN DOCUMENTATION MANAGEMENT AND CONSERVATION

We are currently in an era where information is central to nearly all aspects of life. Effective management and archiving of documents play a crucial role in preserving this information, which is vital for safeguarding knowledge. Knowledge preservation has benefited significantly from advances in records management and conservation. This study aims to explore the academic contributions of Dr. K. D. G. Wimalaratne, a distinguished historian, expert in records management and preservation, visiting lecturer, and former Director of the National Archives. The research was conducted through a literature review based on secondary sources. The findings reveal that Dr. Wimalaratne has authored 26 books and pamphlets on various subjects, along with 20 research papers. Notably, the Lake House Library maintains a special section named after him, which contains 117 newspaper articles, of which 93 were penned by Dr. Wimalaratne. His work also had a lasting impact on education, as he was instrumental in incorporating "History" into the school curriculum. As a scholar, teacher, researcher, writer, and professional in the fields of document archiving, records management, and conservation, Dr. Wimalaratne's legacy is profound. His contributions are particularly significant in an era where these fields should garner more attention from contemporary researchers.