By: Staff Writer

April 02, Colombo (LNW): The U.S. 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.

The 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.

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

This venture is part of a broader effort supported by the U.S. 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 endeavor, 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 endeavors.”  

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. 

1. The President’s Defence Division rescues a woman who attempted suicide by throwing herself into the sea: The Defence Division team rescues the woman near the flag pole of Galleface Green.
   
2. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa says even though it has been 05 years since the Easter Sunday attack, the government has failed to implement or consult the recommendations made by the Malalgoda Committee report, the Presidential Commission report and the Parliamentary Special Committee report on this heinous attack: alleges that parts of the report on this genocide have been concealed even from members of Parliament and various people are making controversial comments due to the naming of masterminds who were picked without sufficient evidence.
   
3. Sri Lanka’s Tamil political parties aim to nominate a minority candidate for the upcoming presidential election in the last quarter of 2024, seeking a credible solution for Tamil minority issues: TNA Leader R. Sampanthan raises the importance of supporting a candidate committed to resolving these issues: While the TNA proposes a Tamil candidate, Sampanthan acknowledges challenges in garnering widespread support and emphasises the need for a credible political solution, including addressing the merger of north and east provinces.
   
4. Finance State Minister Shehan Semasinghe says Sri Lanka has progressed well in its debt restructuring programme, with the second review by the IMF approved at the staff level: adds however that obtaining the third instalment has become challenging: asserts under President Wickremesinghe’s leadership, an extended arrangement with the IMF was approved to support economic policies and reforms, aiming to restore stability and sustainability while protecting the vulnerable: adds plans for relief benefits distribution and addressing public concerns about reduced prices are underway.
   
5. Laugfs Gas slashes the prices of its domestic LP gas cylinders, with a reduction of Rs. 625 for a 12.5kg cylinder in the Colombo district: The price adjustment follows positive economic factors such as the strengthening Sri Lankan rupee, lower interest rates, and ample foreign exchange availability.
   
6. Five export associations in Sri Lanka collectively address challenges posed by the recent strengthening of the Sri Lankan rupee against the US dollar: cite concerns such as reduced export competitiveness, increased operational costs, and pressure on worker wages: criticise the mandatory conversion of export earnings into local currency and urged the Central Bank to reconsider its policy to support export growth and economic development.
   
7. Sri Lanka awaits clarification on hazardous materials aboard the Singapore cargo ship Dali, which collided with a Baltimore bridge: Among known cargo are 57 containers with dangerous goods: The US National Transportation Safety Board is assessing the ship’s manifest: SL anticipates its arrival post New Year: The SLPA chairman outlined port protocols, indicating transshipment likelihood: Meanwhile, concerns persist regarding hazardous waste entry, subject to Basel Convention regulations.
   
8. In the fiscal year 2022/23, government revealed foregone revenue of Rs. 978 billion due to tax concessions, representing 56% of total tax revenue collected that year: This disclosure, reported by PublicFinance.lk, aims to enhance financial transparency and align with international standards: Additionally, the government pledged to regularly disclose firms benefitting from tax exemptions through the Board of Investment and the Strategic Development Projects Act.
   
9. Finance State Minister Ranjith Siyambalapitiya orders the transfer of all officers from the Excise Department’s Narcotics Prevention Unit after four excise officers were arrested for transporting a large quantity of cannabis: The arrestees have been suspended pending further investigation, and a thorough probe into the incident has been launched: The arrests were made by the Police Narcotics Bureau, and 45 kilograms of cannabis were seized along with an Excise Department van used in the operation.  
   
10. Sri Lanka dominated Bangladesh in the second Test match at Chattogram, with Asitha Fernando shining with 4 wickets for 34 runs, limiting Bangladesh to 178 all out in their first innings: Despite SL’s initial struggle in their second innings, they managed to secure a lead of 455 runs by the end of the third day: Debutant Hasan Mahmud impressed for Bangladesh with 4 wickets for 51 runs: Today, on the fourth day, Bangladesh faces pressure with a significant deficit.

April 02, Colombo (LNW): Five police officers, including the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of Horowpothana Police, presented a traditional Sinhala-style apology before the Supreme Court during proceedings related to the release of three individuals from the Horowpothana area.

These individuals had been arrested and detained on suspicion of involvement in the Easter Sunday terror attacks.

The Supreme Court convened to address the fundamental rights petitions filed by Zeynul Abdeen Irfan, Zeynul Abdeen Khalifatullah, and Noor Zakaria.

These petitions alleged violations of their fundamental rights due to their unlawful arrest and detention, which extended beyond six months.

During the hearing, the Deputy Solicitor General, representing the implicated police officers, assured the court that there would be no further interrogation of the individuals concerning the incident.

The petitions were brought before a bench comprising Justices S. Thurairaja, Kumuduni Wickramasinghe, and Achala Vengappuli.

April 02, Colombo (LNW): India has affirmed its commitment to uphold the agreement transferring sovereignty of the Katchatheevu Island to Sri Lanka, despite recent political discourse within India, largely attributed to domestic considerations amidst the approaching Lok Sabha elections, Daily Mirror claimed citing sources.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi targeted the DMK party on Monday regarding the Katchatheevu island matter, accusing the ruling party of Tamil Nadu of neglecting the state’s interests.

Modi’s remarks shed light on the DMK’s purported inconsistency concerning the issue, as reported by X.

It is evident that the current ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India does not align with the stance adopted by the previous Indian National Congress government. Nevertheless, with the agreement having been formalised, insiders revealed that the ongoing debate within India does not directly involve Sri Lanka.

Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar reiterated yesterday that India and Sri Lanka reached an agreement in June 1974, delineating the maritime boundary and designating Katchatheevu under Sri Lankan sovereignty.

The 1974 agreement encompassed three additional clauses.

Firstly, it affirmed the sovereignty and exclusive jurisdiction of each nation over the adjacent waters.

Secondly, Article 5 guaranteed Indian fishermen continued access to Katchatheevu without the need for travel documentation.

Lastly, it ensured reciprocal rights for Indian and Sri Lankan vessels within each other’s maritime territories, consistent with historical practices.

Furthermore, an exchange of letters between India and Sri Lanka established mutual recognition of sovereign rights over living and non-living resources within their respective exclusive economic zones.

Jaishankar highlighted that over the past two decades, Sri Lankan authorities have detained 6,184 Indian fishermen and seized 1,175 Indian fishing vessels.

April 02, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is yet to ascertain the nature of hazardous materials aboard the Singapore cargo ship Dali, chartered by Maersk, which collided with the Baltimore bridge on March 26, revealed an official statement.

The available information suggests that among the cargo are 57 containers containing materials falling under the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code, comprising mainly corrosives, flammables, miscellaneous hazardous substances, and Class-9 hazardous materials, including explosives and lithium-ion batteries, contained within 56 containers.

However, the US National Transportation Safety Board is still analysing the ship’s manifest to determine the contents of its other 4,644 containers.

Before reaching Baltimore, the Dali made stops at New York and Norfolk, Virginia, the location of the world’s largest naval base.

Its next scheduled destination was Colombo, following a route around South Africa’s Cape of Good Hope, with an estimated travel duration of 27 days, anticipated to arrive shortly after the Sri Lankan New Year.

In response to queries regarding this matter, Keith Bernard, Chairman of the Sri Lanka Ports Authority (SLPA), emphasised that ships are required to declare container contents 72 hours before arriving at the Colombo Port.

“The vessel is expected to arrive here on April 21, 2024. This implies that they should notify us by April 17 or thereabouts. Sufficient time is available.

Should hazardous items be declared within containers, we will implement protocols to isolate them accordingly.

As a major transshipment hub, we have established procedures for handling such containers. It is probable that these containers are intended for transshipment,” he explained.

When inquired about the protocol for containers intended for entry into the country, Bernard stated that clearance from the Defence Ministry and other relevant authorities would be sought.

However, Ajith Wijesundara, Deputy Director of the Central Environment Authority (CEA), indicated that it remains uncertain whether the ship carried containers containing hazardous waste or toxic substances.

He noted that, according to the Basel Convention, such wastes would not be permitted entry into the country.

The Basel Convention, concerning the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal, was adopted on March 22, 1989, and entered into force on May 5, 1992.

Wijesundara emphasised that toxic substances imported as raw materials are subject to guidelines and regulations.