The US Embassy in Sri Lanka announced that Eric Meyer has officially been sworn in at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C., as the next U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka.

“On behalf of the entire Embassy team, we warmly congratulate him! We look forward to working under his leadership to deepen the partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka, advancing our shared interests and priorities,” the Embassy said in a statement.

Meyer, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, most recently served as Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. at the U.S. Mission to Norway, overseeing operations at the Embassy in Oslo and the American Presence Post in Tromsø—the only U.S. diplomatic post in the Arctic.

From January to August 2025, he was Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, coordinating U.S. policy priorities across the region. His prior assignments include Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. and Deputy Chief of Mission in Skopje, North Macedonia; U.S. Consul General in Almaty, Kazakhstan; Consul General and acting Deputy Chief of Mission in Phnom Penh, Cambodia; and Consul in Helsinki, Finland, where he served on the Fulbright Commission board.

Earlier postings saw him as Vice Consul in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Cultural Affairs Officer in Cairo, Egypt. In Washington, Meyer worked as Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor in the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs and as an advisor in the Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs during the U.S. Chairmanship of the Arctic Council.

Before joining the State Department, Meyer worked in corporate sales and government relations in the airline industry. He holds a Political Science degree from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MBA from Georgetown University. A recipient of multiple State Department Superior and Meritorious Honor Awards, Meyer is fluent in Danish, French, Russian, and Spanish. (Newswire)

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The US Embassy in Sri Lanka on July 3 launched the Coach Jim Dimick Memorial Baseball Classic, celebrating the enduring American legacy of baseball in Sri Lanka as part of the Embassy’s Freedom 250 Baseball Series commemorating the 250th anniversary of the United States.

Chargé d’Affaires Jayne Howell joined players, coaches, alumni, and officials of the Sri Lanka Baseball/Softball Association at Royal College Colombo to officially open the triangular tournament, with Marine Security Guard Gunnery Sergeant Kyle Aparicio delivering the ceremonial first pitch.

The competition brought together Royal College Colombo, Kingswood College Kandy, and Richmond College Galle, three schools closely tied to the history of American baseball in Sri Lanka. 

Kingswood opened with a 26–10 win over Royal College before losing 15–7 to Richmond. Richmond then drew 7–7 with Royal College to reach the championship, but Kingswood prevailed 11–6 in the final rematch to capture the Freedom 250 title.

“As America celebrates 250 years of independence, we are proud to celebrate one of our nation’s greatest traditions — baseball,” Howell said, noting the sport’s role in building friendships between Americans and Sri Lankans.

Baseball was first introduced to Sri Lanka in 1985 by Coach James “Jim” Dimick, a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and National Baseball Hall of Fame coach, who conducted the country’s first clinics through a U.S. Embassy initiative. Royal College was among the original schools where the game took root, and many of those early players remain leaders in Sri Lankan baseball today.

For four decades, the United States has supported the sport’s growth in Sri Lanka through coaching exchanges, equipment donations, youth development, and partnerships with the Sri Lanka Baseball/Softball Association. 

The Freedom 250 Baseball Series marks both America’s semiquincentennial and the 40th anniversary of baseball in Sri Lanka, underscoring the power of sports diplomacy to connect communities across cultures. (Newswire)

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A United States diplomat has been found dead in Myanmar’s largest city, according to the US Department of State, and three members of the diplomatic community in Yangon say a Thai woman has been detained by police in connection with the investigation.

The US State Department confirmed to the Associated Press news agency on Wednesday that a US diplomat serving at the US Embassy in Yangon had died. The department did not provide further details about the circumstances surrounding the person’s death or its cause.

“Out of respect for the privacy of the family and loved ones, we have no further information to provide at this time,” it said.

According to three people in the diplomatic community in Myanmar, who spoke to the Associated Press on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to discuss the case, Myanmar police are treating the death as a possible murder.

They said the person was found dead two weeks ago at a hotel about 1.5 kilometres (one mile) from the US Embassy.

The facility, with long-term rentals, is popular with diplomats, business people and other international visitors.

Myanmar police have not publicly commented on the case.

Thailand’s Foreign Ministry said it has provided consular assistance to the woman in custody and notified her family, but would not comment further.

Situation in Myanmar.

Myanmar is in the midst of a civil war that began more than five years ago when the country’s democratically elected government was overthrown in a military coup.

The military leadership that now governs Myanmar is estimated to control just 21 percent of the country after years of fighting against ethnic armed groups and pro-democracy forces.

More than 96,000 people have been killed, according to the international monitor the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED). At least 3.6 million have been displaced, according to the United Nations. 

In April, former leader Aung San Suu Kyi was moved to house arrest after President Min Aung Hlaing pardoned and commuted the sentences of thousands of prisoners. Suu Kyi, age 80, still has 13 years of detention remaining. (Al Jazeera)

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The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka on Sunday (26) celebrated the 15th anniversary of American Corner Jaffna (ACJ), highlighting its longstanding role in connecting communities in Northern Sri Lanka with the United States through programs focused on education, innovation, and American values. 

According to the US Embassy, the new “Freedom 250 Pavilion,” part of the global Freedom 250 initiative commemorating 250 years of American independence, was also inaugurated during the event.

Established in 2011 in partnership with the Jaffna Social Action Centre, American Corner Jaffna was created as a platform for direct engagement with local communities, offering opportunities to learn about the United States while building skills in critical thinking, leadership, and innovation. 

Launched in the post-conflict period, the Corner has played a key role in connecting emerging leaders in Northern Sri Lanka with ideas, resources, and opportunities rooted in American experience and perspectives. 

The Freedom 250 Pavilion expands ACJ’s capacity to host interactive programs and community events, reinforcing the Corner’s role as a dynamic space for collaboration, dialogue, and learning. 

Speaking at the event, U.S. Embassy Public Affairs Officer Menaka Nayyar said: “American Corner Jaffna reflects the United States’ commitment to sharing American values, culture, and ideas with the people of Northern Sri Lanka. On July 4, 2026, the United States will celebrate 250 years of independence—a milestone that highlights our founding ideals and partnerships around the world, including here in Jaffna. Through the new Freedom 250 Pavilion and our programs, we invite the community to engage with the United States and learn more about our history, society, and innovation.” 

In 2025 alone, ACJ hosted nearly 400 programs, reaching more than 10,000 participants. Located at No. 23, Athiyady Road, Nallur, Jaffna, American Corner Jaffna provides free access to resources on the United States, English language learning, educational advising, and skills-based programming.  

Individuals can take part in free programs by visiting American Corner Jaffna in person, contacting the Corner at 021 222 0665 or via email at info@americancornerjaffna.com, and following American Corner Jaffna on Facebook (facebook.com/amcornerjaffna) for the latest updates on events, registration, and membership opportunities. (Newswire)

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The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka has issued a stern reminder to foreign nationals visiting the United States that reliance on taxpayer-funded benefits can carry severe consequences.

According to the embassy, non-immigrant visa holders who abuse or become dependent on public assistance risk having their visas revoked. 

The US Embassy further warned that such violations may also render them ineligible for future visas. 

“Make sure you’re prepared to pay your own way when visiting the United States,” the embassy cautioned.

The statement reflects broader U.S. immigration policy, which calls for self-sufficiency among foreign visitors and seeks to prevent misuse of public resources. (Newswire)

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The US Embassy in Sri Lanka has extended its condolences following the death of Lieutenant Koyan Chamitha of the Sri Lanka Navy, recognizing his service and contribution to international defence cooperation.

Lt. Chamitha was the first Sri Lankan naval officer to complete US Navy SEAL basic training. He served with the Sri Lanka Navy’s Special Boat Squadron and was commended for his distinguished service.

In a statement, the US Embassy said Lt. Chamitha’s career reflected the strong professional ties between the United States and Sri Lanka, particularly in maritime security and special operations.

“His passing is a loss for the Sri Lanka Navy community. Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time,” the statement read. (Newswire)

The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka extends our sincere condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Lieutenant Koyan Chamitha of the Sri Lanka Navy.
Lieutenant Chamitha was the first Sri Lankan to complete @USNavy SEAL basic training and served with distinction with the… pic.twitter.com/1X2KR5r4Jm

— U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka (@USEmbSL) January 28, 2026

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Activists from the Frontline Socialist Party and several other groups gathered outside the United States Embassy in Colombo this evening to protest U.S. actions in Venezuela.

Protesters held placards reading “Don’t Touch Venezuela,” calling for a Venezuelan‑led solution and denouncing what they describe as US interference.

The protests comes after a major escalation in US – Venezuela tensions, after the United States launched a large‑scale military operation that included strikes on Venezuelan territory and the capture of President Nicolás Maduro and his wife, who are now to face federal charges in the United States.

The US has signaled intentions to oversee Venezuela’s transition and its oil resources, a move that has drawn international criticism and heightened global debate over sovereignty and intervention. (Newswire)

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The U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka and the Central Cultural Fund’s Maritime Archaeology Unit will host an exhibition and symposium in September, highlighting the documentation and preservation of artifacts from the Godawaya Shipwreck, one of Sri Lanka’s most significant maritime heritage sites. 

According to the US Embassy in Sri Lanka, the exhibition and symposium will be held from 03-05 September at the BMICH Cinema Lounge in Colombo. The exhibition at BMICH will open to the public at 11:00 a.m. on September 3 and will then be open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on September 4 and 5.

The exhibition is also a reminder of the Indo-Pacific’s vital role in maintaining peace and security, while safeguarding sovereign rights, a shared interest for both the United States and Sri Lanka.

Discovered off the coast of the fishing village of Godawaya in southern Sri Lanka, the Godawaya Ancient Shipwreck is the oldest known wooden shipwreck in the Asia-Pacific region, dating back more than 2,100 years to the 1st or 2nd century BCE. This extraordinary underwater archaeological site provides rare insights into early Indian Ocean trade and seafaring.

The project is funded through the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), a U.S. Government initiative that supports projects worldwide to safeguard cultural heritage, from historic sites and artifacts to traditional art forms. Through AFCP, experts have recovered and documented remarkable artifacts at Godawaya, including clay pottery, grinding stones, glass and metal ingots, and carnelian beads, shedding light on Sri Lanka’s ancient role in regional trade and cultural exchange. Ongoing conservation and research efforts aim to uncover the ship’s exact origin and further illuminate its place in maritime history.

The symposium will bring together maritime archaeologists and cultural experts to highlight the significance of the Godawaya site and underscore the broader importance of safeguarding Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage. Artifacts recovered from the site will be preserved and displayed at the Maritime Archaeology Museum in Galle, ensuring they remain accessible to both Sri Lankans and international visitors. 

The US Embassy pointed out that this initiative reflects the enduring U.S.–Sri Lanka partnership in heritage preservation and advancing research for future generations. (Newswire)

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Jayne Howell, a career US diplomat, has been appointed as the Deputy Chief of the US Embassy in Sri Lanka, effective from June 2025.

According to the US Embassy, Jayne Howell is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service with the rank of Minister-Counsellor. 

Jayne has extensive overseas experience, including recent postings as Minister-Counsellor for Consular Affairs (MCCA) in both Pakistan and Türkiye, where she served as the Ambassador’s senior advisor on immigration and visa policy as well as coordinated countrywide services for the thousands of American citizens visiting those countries each year. Jayne also worked as the Consular Section Chief in Accra, Ghana; Harare, Zimbabwe; and Kabul, Afghanistan.

In Washington, Jayne has served in several senior leadership roles in the Bureau of Consular Affairs, including Deputy Executive Director, Supervisory Regional Consular Officer, and inaugural Director of 1CA, the Bureau’s leadership and management excellence program. For her work in 1CA, Jayne received the Department of State’s Luther I. Replogle Award for Management Improvement.

Originally from Charleston, South Carolina, Jayne holds a B.A. in Archaeological Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. Outside of work, Jayne is a passionate explorer of ancient and historical sites, goes deep-sea fishing whenever she can, and tries to learn to cook a traditional dish from every country she visits. (Newswire)

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The US Embassy in Colombo has announced a new process for visa applications, effective February 8, 2025.

The Embassy said that all visa-related document submissions and collections must be done through VFS courier services, from Saturday.

The Embassy will no longer accept direct submissions or collections.

The US Embassy in Colombo said the change aims to improve efficiency and allow applicants to track their visa packages with ease.

For more information on the updated process, including details on Premium Delivery services and payment options, applicants can visit the following link: https://ustraveldocs.com/lk/en/landing

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Today, the U.S. Embassy in Sri Lanka, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture and the Central Cultural Fund, launched a new conservation project to protect the ancient Thuparama Image House, a key site within the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Polonnaruwa Ancient City. 

This initiative, funded by a $109,000 grant (over Rs. 32 million) from the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), reflects U.S. commitment to preserving Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage for future generations. The event was attended by U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung and Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Prof. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi.

At today’s ceremony, Ambassador Chung emphasized, “The United States and Sri Lanka share a long history of partnership built on mutual respect and shared values. Together, we have worked on strengthening democratic institutions, promoting sustainable economic growth, and preserving cultural heritage, such as the Thuparama Image House. Through initiatives like the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, on behalf of the American people, we continue to help Sri Lanka protect its heritage, promote sustainable tourism, and attract global visitors to explore its historical and cultural richness.”

Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs Prof. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, who attended the ceremony, remarked, “The United States, through the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, once again demonstrates its commitment to preserving Sri Lanka’s cultural treasures. This collaboration strengthens our bond and reflects the U.S. dedication to preserving not only Sri Lanka’s heritage but also the connection between our nations.”

The Thuparama Image House, constructed in the 12th century as part of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom, is a monumental site with a distinctive vaulted brick roof and stunning stucco decorations. This historical gem has suffered damage over time due to environmental factors, and the preservation project aims to prevent further deterioration while raising awareness about its cultural and historical significance. (US Embassy)

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A protest was staged opposite the United States Embassy in Colombo today, calling for the end of conflict in the Middle East and what protestors said were ‘US imperialism’

Human rights activists at the demonstration said that as Sri Lankans who lived through war, they are calling for the end of Israel’s genocide in Palestine.

“Because of a genocide that has been going on for over a year, children, expectant mothers, youth have all been murdered. Let Palestinians live in their homeland,” protestors said, alleging that the United States was funding as well supplying arms for the conflicts in the Middle East. (Newswire)

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The U.S. Embassy in Colombo says the 2024 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange highlights a 10% increase in Sri Lankan students studying at U.S. colleges and universities during the 2023-2024 academic year. 

According to the U.S. Embassy, this reflects a growing trend of Sri Lankan students seeking world-class education in the United States and underscores the robust educational ties between the two nations, as well as the global appeal of U.S. higher education institutions. 

The Open Doors Report, celebrating its 75th year, is a comprehensive census of international student mobility trends. This year, the report revealed that the United States welcomed an all-time high of 1.12 million international students from more than 210 countries and territories, reaffirming its position as the leading destination for higher education. The United States also marked 25 years of EducationUSA, the global educational advising network that provides resources for students worldwide, including Sri Lanka. 

Sri Lanka-U.S. Education Partnership 

Sri Lanka’s contribution to this number demonstrates the continued appeal of U.S. higher education as a destination of choice for students seeking cutting-edge academics, research opportunities, and vibrant campus experiences. 

U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung commented on the growing interest among Sri Lankan students in studying abroad: “The 10% increase in Sri Lankan students studying in the United States demonstrates the power of international education in building strong connections between our people. U.S. universities offer Sri Lankan students access to world-class education, cutting-edge research, and lifelong networks, equipping them to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world. This growth reflects the strength of the U.S.-Sri Lanka partnership and our shared dedication to education and innovation. Through programs like EducationUSA, we remain committed to supporting students interested in this cross-cultural exchange, and I encourage even more Sri Lankan students to consider the transformative opportunities that studying in the United States can provide.”  

Sri Lankan students are drawn to U.S. institutions for their renowned STEM programs, research facilities, and practical training opportunities. Many pursue graduate-level studies, becoming part of a global network of professionals with deep ties to both countries. 

About International Education Week 

The release of the Open Doors Report coincides with International Education Week (IEW), a joint initiative of the U.S. Departments of State and Education. IEW celebrates the benefits of international education and promotes opportunities for students to engage in global academic and cultural exchanges. 

Sri Lankan students interested in studying in the United States can access free resources through EducationUSA, including one-on-one advising and guidance on finding the best academic fit. To learn more, visit EducationUSA or the U.S. Embassy’s EducationUSA advising center in Colombo. 

Other Key Findings from Open Doors 2024 

• The United States saw a 7% increase in international student enrollment in the 2023-2024 academic year, with 90% of students returning to in-person learning. 

• STEM fields remain a significant draw for international students, with nearly 50% of students enrolled in STEM programs such as Computer Science, Engineering, and Physical Sciences. 

• Optional Practical Training (OPT) programs experienced double-digit growth, highlighting the U.S. commitment to practical, hands-on learning for global careers. 

• U.S. institutions also saw a 13% increase in international students at community colleges, offering more accessible pathways for higher education. 

About the Open Doors Report 

The Open Doors Report is published annually by the Institute of International Education (IIE) in partnership with the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The report serves as a trusted source of data on international mobility trends, informing strategies for educational institutions, policymakers, and governments worldwide. This year’s report reaffirms the U.S. higher education sector’s reputation as a global leader in academic excellence and inclusivity. It also highlights the growing interest in study abroad programs among American students, demonstrating a mutual exchange of knowledge and culture. (Newswire)

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The US Embassy in Sri Lanka has announced the acceptance of applications for fully funded scholarships to undergraduates granted under the Global UGrad Program.

In a message on social media, the US Embassy said the scholarship will grant the opportunity for students to spend a semester at a US university.

The US Embassy further said that scholarships are being offered to Sri Lankan undergraduates studying law, engineering, or anything in between.

Applications for the fully funded scholarships under the Global UGrad Programme are due by December 15, 2024. 

For more details visit https://www.globalugrad.org/ (Newswire)

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The US Embassy in Colombo has issued a travel warning for American citizens, advising against travel to Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka due to a credible threat.

According to the travel advisory, the US Embassy says it has received credible information warning of an attack targeting popular tourist locations in the Arugam Bay area.

Details of the US Embassy travel advisory is as follows;

Location: Sri Lanka

Event: The Embassy received credible information warning of an attack targeting popular tourist locations in the Arugam Bay area. Due to the serious risk posed by this threat, the Embassy imposed a travel restriction on Embassy personnel for Arugam Bay effective immediately and until further notice.

U.S. citizens are strongly urged to avoid the Arugam Bay area until further notice.

Actions to Take:

• Report all suspicious activity and emergencies to local authorities (119).
• Always maintain vigilance and be aware of your surroundings. Trust your gut, if a situation doesn’t feel right, get out of it.
• Always have some form of communication on you (i.e. cell phone).
• Monitor local media for news and updates. (Newswire)

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Veteran National Basketball Association (NBA) player Stephen Howard and veteran Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) player Astou Ndiaye have hosted training sessions for school-level basketball players and their coaches from across the Northern, Southern, Eastern, Western, and Uva provinces in Sri Lanka. 

According to the US Embassy in Colombo, the Embassy in collaboration with the Foundation of Goodness and IImpact Hoop Lab hosted the veteran NBA and veteran WNBA players as part of the U.S. Sports Envoy program from June 8-14.   

Collaborating with the Sri Lanka Basketball Federation, they also led workshops for the national basketball teams, including both male and female squads, and their coaches. In addition, the Sports Envoys and staff from the U.S. Embassy renovated a girls’ changing room at a school in Colombo to help make basketball more accessible for young female athletes. 

The visit also featured motivational talks focusing on leadership and embracing failure as a crucial step towards success, aimed at inspiring young athletes to value leadership, teamwork, and dedication, both on and off the basketball court. 

Speaking at an exhibition game in Colombo for boys and girls who underwent intense coaching sessions with the U.S. Sports Envoys, Heidi Hattenbach, Counselor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy, said “The U.S. Embassy is proud to contribute to empowering the next generation of leaders in Sri Lanka. Our Sports Envoys, Stephen and Astou, taught these youth about leadership and working together, including the importance of perseverance and learning from failure. They conveyed a powerful message: It’s not just about basketball; it’s about life. Embracing our failures equips us with the resilience and lessons to lead and succeed in any field.”  

 Summarizing what basketball has taught her, Envoy Astou Ndiaye shared the following words of encouragement for all the Sri Lankan youth she met during her visit, “Have the courage to write your own life story because all is possible with hard work.” 

Reflecting on his visit, Envoy Stephen Howard said, “If I hadn’t visited Sri Lanka, I would never have known about the immense pride and heart that all Sri Lankans exhibit.  As much as I would like to think that I taught those who participated in the camps we administered, in the end, I learned just as much from them. I’m happy to say that being a Sports Envoy has allowed me to add new teammates and friends here in Sri Lanka.  Thank you for the amazing hospitality everywhere we visited.”  

About the U.S. Sports Envoy Program: The U.S. Sports Envoy program, managed by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, sends professional American athletes and coaches overseas to engage in sports-based programming. These envoys lead sports clinics, participate in community outreach activities, and engage youth in dialogues on the importance of leadership, teamwork, and respect for diversity. The program aims to promote mutual understanding and build positive relationships between the United States and other countries through sports. (Newswire)   

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Mayor Muriel Bowser of Washington D.C. has issued a Proclamation declaring 23 May 2024 as “Vesak Festival Day” in the American Capital. 

According to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Washington D.C., the Proclamation was made upon a request made by the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the United States Mahinda Samarasinghe during a meeting with the Mayor earlier this year.

The Proclamation acknowledges that Vesak is the most sacred day for Buddhists as it marks the birth, enlightenment and passing of the Buddha. It also recognises that over 3 million Buddhists live in the United States and that the festival is of utmost significance to them. It also adverts to the Buddhist adherence to universal values of tolerance, compassion, and service to humanity which are commemorated by persons of other faiths as well.

On behalf of Mayor Bowser, Director of International Affairs and Protocol Officer, Executive Office of the Mayor Anthony Andrews,  and Secretary of D.C., Kimberly Bassett, handed over the Proclamation to Ambassador Samarasinghe at the Embassy Last week (May 17).

Diplomatic officers of the Embassy were also associated with Ambassador Samarasinghe on the occasion. (Newswire)

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The US Embassy in Sri Lanka has announced changes in passport passback and document acceptance hours at the Embassy in Colombo. 

Taking to ‘X’, the US Embassy said the changes will be effective next week starting from Monday (May 13).

Accordingly, visa applicants have been requested to be informed of the following;

– Immigrant Visa passback happens on Tuesdays at 3:00 PM only.

– Document acceptance for all consular documents is on Wednesdays at 3:00 PM only.

– Non-Immigrant Visa passback is on Thursdays at 3:00 PM only. (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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A protest has been staged in front of the US Embassy in Colombo today (Nov 24), in support of Palestine. 

The Police stated that the protest was being staged by civil activists against Israel’s siege on Palestine. 

According to Lankadeepa, the Police have reportedly detained five persons who had engaged in the protest. 

Heavy security, including the Police Special Task Force, has been deployed outside the US Embassy due to the protest. (NewsWire)

Heavy police, riot police & STF presence outside the US Embassy today as protestors called out the US Govt for their support of the Israeli siege on Gaza

3 were arrested at the protest & 2 others from outside the Colpetty Police Station, who had come to visit those arrested! pic.twitter.com/BBrQ6TnmjJ

— Mari (@EmDeeS11) November 24, 2023

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