ECONOMYNEXT – Artifacts from Sri Lanka’s Godawaya Shipwreck will be featured at an exhibition and symposium organised by the US Embassy and the Central Cultural Fund’s Maritime Archaeology Unit.
Discovered off the coast of the fishing village of Godawaya in southern Sri Lanka, the 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, the embassy pointed out.
“This extraordinary underwater archaeological site provides rare insights into early Indian Ocean trade and seafaring.”
The exhibition at BMICH Cinema Lounge, Colombo, will open to the public at 11 am on September 3 and will be open daily from 10 am to 5 pm on September 4 and 5.
“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 aims to bring together maritime archaeologists and cultural experts.
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. (Colombo/Aug29/2025)
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