The Botany Section of the Department of National Museums keeps a collection of botanical specimens comprise of over 1500 dried plant material and a small wet preserved collection. The dried plant collection or the herbarium collection includes angiosperms (flowering plants), gymnosperms, pteridophytes (ferns), bryophytes (mosses and liverworts) and several fungi species found in Sri Lanka. Plants were collected from natural forest i.e. lowland rain forests, mountain forests, dry mixed evergreen forests etc. covering majority of the existing natural ecosystems. Priority has given to endemic, rare and endangered species during collection. Collected specimens were properly documented, conserved and mounted on herbarium sheets. All herbarium sheets were labeled with necessary details of respective plant. The herbarium collection is arranged systematically making specimens available for research and consultation. Detailed database is preparing for this collection including digital images. Research activities are carried out in the field of Botany giving priority to the plant taxonomy. Museum galleries on applied botany and natural eco systems are maintained and periodically updated by the Botany section. Two temporary exhibitions are available here on Poisonous Plants and Mangrove Plants.These can be obtained for educational purposes by a prior approval of the Director/Museums. The staff of the Botany section will provide support and guidance for preparation of herbarium collection and other subject related matters on request.