The Colombo Museum

Abstract

SINCE Sir William Gregory in 1872 developed the idea of collecting exhibits illustrating the natural history, antiquities and industrial products of Ceylon, the Colombo Museum has preserved a high scientific standard while at the same time offering a centre of interest to the large number of people which visit its collections (334,528 in 1939). Although many influences have led to the preponderance of natural history in the Museum, the report for 1939 shows that efforts are being successfully made to build up an adequate representation of the prehistory and ethnography of the island. Much of the progress of the Museum has been due to the enthusiasm and energy of two recent directors, Dr. J. Pearson, who retired in 1932, and his successor, A. H. Malpas, who retired in 1939 and to whose skill in increasing the popular attraction of the collection and encouragement of entomological, avifaunal and ethnographical surveys the report pays a warm tribute. P. E. P. Deraniyagala has been appointed acting director and is responsible for the administration report. Its brief account of the activities of the museum staff and its considerable list of donations and other acquisitions to the various groups of collections indicate that the institution continues to strengthen its position as the conservator of Ceylon interests and a centre of scientific study.