In 1956, when I was preparing for the Senior School Certificate Examination, Kadawata was a quiet township surrounded by villages. The residents depended on what they grew. The population was small. There were a few shops and kiosks which were hardly patronised. The villagers came down this street only once in a blue moon. Once in a while, a British made Ford, a Sunflower, a Morris or an Austin passed through, breaking the silence. Sir John Kotalawela’s left hand driven black Buick Special was also seen on the thoroughfare with other American limousines, though not in large numbers.

Today, 50 years later, Kadawata is vastly developed with plans afoot for further development. The work on the extensions to the existing town are in progress. Also, the population has increased because of the influx of people from various parts of the country for employment in Colombo. It has reached the status of one of the largest towns in the western province.

New buildings, including highrises, have come up as a result of flourishing businesses.

We know that our literary per cent as at now is at a high level. Facilities are pouring in from all sides for educational purposes. Reading is becoming a habit more than ever before amongst all, especially the children all over the island with no exception at Kadawata. The lack of a library at Kadawata is a long felt need not realised by the authorities concerned yet. There is a reading room at Kadawata where a few selected daily newspapers are made available. It is often in sixes and sevens. Nothing is traceable. There is no knowledgeable person from whom even an enquiry could be made. It remains as it was 15 years a go.

As it is a privately sponsored one, we have to grin and make do, though there are many short comings. This is the present position. Therefore, we have no option but to urge the authorities to give top priority to the construction of a complex for this purpose. It should not be an abode on a 10 perch block of land.

On a sufficiently large piece of land, a spacious building should be constructed with the upper floor reserved for children. The best example is the library in Anuradhapura.

In this ultra-modern age, children and elders must have access to information on modern technology.