March 29, Colombo (LNW): In a significant collaborative effort, the Colombo U.S. Embassy, in conjunction with the Central Cultural Fund’s Maritime Archaeology Unit, has embarked on a mission to conserve and document the Godawaya shipwreck, the oldest known shipwreck in the Asia-Pacific region. Supported by the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, this initiative underscores the enduring partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka in cultural preservation and archaeological research.
Leading the charge, U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, accompanied by Heidi Hattenbach, Counsellor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy, and Senior Archaeology Officer Rasika Muthucumarana from the Central Cultural Fund’s Maritime Archaeology Unit, conducted an inspection dive to explore the ancient Godawaya shipwreck situated off the coast of Hambantota. This endeavor is part of a broader initiative funded by the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, which has been supporting the project since 2022 to study and protect this submerged cultural treasure dating back to the 2nd Century B.C.
Expressing the significance of the mission, Ambassador Chung remarked, “Witnessing the Godawaya shipwreck firsthand, submerged 33 meters below the ocean’s surface, was a truly breathtaking experience. It sheds light on Sri Lanka’s pivotal history as a maritime hub. The United States is honored to contribute to this endeavor, enriching our understanding of Sri Lanka’s historical significance in global maritime trade and ensuring the preservation of its cultural legacy for generations to come.”
Thanks to the funding support from the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, the Maritime Archaeology Unit (MAU) has successfully safeguarded nearly 200 artifacts retrieved from the wreck, ranging from clay pottery to metal objects and intricate carnelian beads. As the project advances, the MAU aims to create a comprehensive 3D model of the entire shipwreck site, promising to revolutionize maritime archaeology and cultural preservation in Sri Lanka. The artifacts will be exhibited in Colombo later this year before finding a permanent home in the Maritime Archaeology Museum in Galle, where they will be accessible to Sri Lankans and tourists, providing insights into the country’s rich history. Additionally, the AFCP will fund an educational program, bringing learning opportunities from the Godawaya project to schools and students near the dive site.
