The Godawaya Shipwreck Exhibition at the BMICH in Colombo was inaugurated today by US Ambassador Julie Chung and Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, together with the Central Cultural Fund’s Maritime Archaeology Unit (MAU).  

According to the US Embassy in Sri Lanka, the event marked the culmination of the multi-year Godawaya Shipwreck Project, funded through the US Ambassador’s Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), a US–Sri Lanka partnership to preserve the oldest known wooden shipwreck in the Asia-Pacific region, dating back over 2,100 years. 

By documenting and conserving artifacts from this ancient trading vessel, the initiative demonstrates how the two countries are working together to safeguard heritage, strengthen Indo-Pacific ties, and build a foundation for shared security and open commerce.  

Ambassador Chung underscored the project’s significance, stating: “Maritime heritage is a story of connection — and today’s U.S.–Sri Lanka partnership continues that legacy. From ports to people, we are Indo-Pacific partners working together to safeguard security, ensure open commerce, and protect the futures of our nations. The Godawaya shipwreck is a reminder that secure sea lanes have powered prosperity for centuries and remain vital to both American and Sri Lankan interests today.” 

The exhibition will be open to the public from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on 04th and 5th September. Visitors can explore artifacts recovered from the shipwreck, including pottery, grinding stones, glass and metal ingots, and carnelian beads. These discoveries not only reveal the vessel’s role as a trading ship but also underscore Sri Lanka’s historic position as a hub of Indian Ocean trade and cultural exchange — and the continuing importance of maritime security to regional prosperity. 

Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs, Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, said: “The partnership between Sri Lanka and the United States has been vital in safeguarding our heritage, not only in Godawaya but across the country. This project shows the strength of international cooperation in preserving history for future generations. I extend my sincere gratitude to the U.S. Embassy and the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation for their steadfast support. Together, we have ensured that this treasure of Sri Lanka’s history will remain accessible to our people and to the world.” 

The Central Cultural Fund’s Director General, Dr. Nilan Cooray, said: “This exhibition and symposium are not just celebrations of the past; they are opportunities to inspire the future. The artifacts displayed here tell a story of connection, trade, and cultural exchange that transcends borders and time. I invite all Sri Lankans and visitors to explore this exhibition and discover the profound history that unites us.” 

The Godawaya Shipwreck Preservation Project, initiated in 2022, has achieved remarkable milestones in maritime archaeology. Through AFCP funding, the MAU has safeguarded nearly 200 artifacts unearthed from the wreck, employed advanced 3D modeling techniques for site surveying, and developed a comprehensive 3D model of the shipwreck site. These efforts have revolutionized maritime archaeology in Sri Lanka and set a global standard for underwater cultural heritage preservation. The artifacts will be permanently housed at the Maritime Archaeology Museum in Galle, with an AFCP-supported education program bringing the story of the shipwreck to local schools. (Newswire)

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US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung along with Counselor for Public Affairs at the US Embassy, Heidi Hattenbach and Senior Archeology Officer of the Central Cultural Fund’s Maritime Archaeology Unit, Rasika Muthucumarana have led an inspection dive to the ancient Godawaya shipwreck off the coast of Hambantota. 

The US Embassy in Colombo, in partnership with the Central Cultural Fund’s Maritime Archaeology Unit, has undertaken a significant step in preserving Sri Lanka’s rich maritime history through the conservation and documentation of the Godawaya Shipwreck, the oldest known shipwreck in the Asia-Pacific region. 

According to the US Embassy in Sri Lanka, this initiative, funded by the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, underscores the enduring partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka in cultural preservation and archaeological research. 

This venture is part of a broader effort supported by the US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, which began funding the project in 2022 to study and safeguard the submerged cultural treasure dating back to the 2nd Century B.C.

Ambassador Chung expressed her awe and the importance of the mission, stating, “Witnessing the Godawaya shipwreck firsthand at 33 meters below the surfaces of the ocean was a breathtaking experience, shedding light on Sri Lanka’s significant history as a pivotal maritime hub. The United States is proud to support this endeavour, enhancing the understanding of Sri Lanka’s historical role in global maritime trade and ensuring the preservation of its rich cultural legacy for future generations.” 

Adding to the Ambassador’s sentiments, Counselor for Public Affairs Heidi Hattenbach highlighted the project’s unique value, “We are honoured to partner with the Maritime Archeology Unit on the study and preservation of this important site, a partnership that has supported skilled Sri Lankan divers and researchers to really dive deep into an important avenue of Sri Lanka’s maritime history.  Over the coming months, their dedicated efforts will deepen the understanding and accessibility of Sri Lanka’s underwater cultural heritage, paving the way for future archaeological discoveries and conservation initiatives.” 

Senior Archeology Officer Rasika Muthucumarana, reflecting on the technical aspects and the depth of the project, added, “Collaborating with the U.S. Embassy on this Godawaya shipwreck excavation project has been an honour. While the depths of our explorations present unique challenges, the shared commitment to unveiling the truths and preserving the history of ancient maritime routes and trade practices creates a strong bond between our teams. This partnership is a model for future cultural preservation endeavours.”   

Located in Galle, the Maritime Archaeology Unit (MAU) is dedicated to the preservation and exploration of Sri Lanka’s rich underwater cultural heritage, conducting extensive research, and applying advanced conservation techniques.  

The Godawaya shipwreck, the oldest known shipwreck in the Indian Ocean and the Asia-Pacific Region, is one of the MAU’s most significant ongoing projects.  Initial research efforts have unveiled a treasure trove of information, revealing that the ship was laden with a diverse cargo, including potential ingots of iron and glass, alongside finished stone querns and ceramic bowls. Through funding support from the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, the MAU has been able to safeguard nearly 200 artefacts unearthed from the wreck, ranging from clay pottery to metal objects and intricate carnelian beads. 

The US funding has been instrumental in facilitating the initial stages of site preparation and enabling the unit to employ 3D modelling techniques for comprehensive site surveying. As the project progresses, the MAU is on track to develop a complete 3D model of the entire shipwreck site, a milestone that promises to revolutionize the field of maritime archaeology and cultural preservation in Sri Lanka. The artefacts removed from the shipwreck will be on display in Colombo at the end of the year, and then will eventually be housed in a permanent exhibit at the Maritime Archaeology Museum in Galle for Sri Lankans and tourists to visit, view, and learn about the country’s rich history. The AFCP will also fund an education program that will bring opportunities to learn from the Godawaya project to schools and students close to the dive site. (NewsWire)

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