Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage will gain new international attention this September, as the United States joins hands with local authorities to highlight one of the island’s most remarkable archaeological discoveries the Godawaya Ancient Shipwreck.
The U.S. Embassy in Colombo announced that, in collaboration with the Central Cultural Fund’s Maritime Archaeology Unit, it will host a three-day exhibition and symposium from September 3–5 at the BMICH Cinema Lounge, showcasing ongoing work to document and preserve artifacts from the Godawaya site.
The exhibition, opening to the public at 11:00 a.m. on September 3, and from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on September 4–5, will not only present historical treasures but also emphasize the broader message of protecting cultural identity in the Indo-Pacific. U.S. officials linked the initiative to the region’s importance in ensuring peace, stability, and sovereign rights.
A Shipwreck Frozen in Time
Discovered off the southern fishing village of Godawaya, the shipwreck is considered the oldest known wooden vessel in the Asia-Pacific, dating back more than 2,100 years to the 1st or 2nd century BCE. Archaeologists describe it as a “time capsule” that sheds light on early Indian Ocean trade, shipbuilding techniques, and Sri Lanka’s central role as a hub of maritime commerce.
Recovered artifacts include clay pottery, grinding stones, glass and metal ingots, and semi-precious carnelian beads — clear evidence that the island was deeply embedded in the network of trade routes linking South Asia, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Experts believe further study may reveal the ship’s exact origins, possibly linking it to ancient trade between Sri Lanka and ports as far as Rome or China.
U.S. Support and Global Recognition
The project is being funded under the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), a U.S. Government program that has supported more than 1,100 projects in over 130 countries. In Sri Lanka, AFCP has previously contributed to the conservation of Buddhist temples, colonial-era structures, and traditional art forms. The Godawaya initiative marks a shift toward protecting maritime heritage, an area where Sri Lanka holds unique global significance.
Preserving for Future Generations
Artifacts recovered from Godawaya will be permanently preserved and displayed at the Maritime Archaeology Museum in Galle, ensuring accessibility for both Sri Lankans and international visitors. Scholars say this will not only enrich academic research but also boost heritage tourism, providing new opportunities for Sri Lanka’s economy.
A Deeper Message
Beyond archaeology, the collaboration signals how heritage diplomacy can strengthen bilateral ties. By helping safeguard Sri Lanka’s past, Washington is also investing in goodwill and shared cultural understanding. Analysts note that such projects underline the importance of heritage in national identity, while also reminding Sri Lanka of the strategic value of its geography and history in the wider Indo-Pacific.
