U.S. Embassy, Sri Lanka’s Maritime Archaeology Unit dive to ancient Godawaya shipwreck
March 29, 2024
The Colombo U.S. Embassy, in partnership with the Central Cultural Fund’s Maritime Archaeology Unit, has undertaken a 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. 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.
U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, along with Heidi Hattenbach, Counsellor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy, 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 the importance of the mission, stating, “Witnessing the Godawaya shipwreck firsthand at 33 metres below the surface 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.”
Through funding support of the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, the Maritime Archaeology Unit (MAU) has been able to safeguard nearly 200 artifacts unearthed from the wreck, ranging from clay pottery to metal objects and intricate carnelian beads. 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 artifacts 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 programme that will bring opportunities to learn from the Godawaya project to schools and students close to the dive site.
Archaeologists Discovered the Largest Inscription Ever Found in Sri Lanka
February 11, 2024
The largest inscription ever in Sri Lanka, found from the Dimbulagala Monastery grounds, belongs to the beginning of the second centrury BC or earlier than that, Sri Jayawardenapura University History and Archaeology professor Karunasena Hettiarachchi said. Addressing the media, he said 60 percent of this inscription was unreadable and 40 percent was readable "This inscription was written in Brahmi characters. We found that 24 Brahmi characters were used on the inscription. At least 1,000 characters were used. Moreover, there are several rare symbols, which have never been seen by officials through their previous inscriptions," he said.
According to the signs, characters, and unique symbols, the committee had decided to announce that the inscription belonged to the beginning of the second centrum BC or earlier than that. The Polonnaruwa Archeology Office found the largest inscription ever found in the country on July 10, 2023, at the Dimbulagala Monastery grounds. Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry Secretary Somaratne Vidanapathirana, said that eleven expert committee members, comprising Vice President of the Royal Asiatic Society of Sri Lanka Archaeologists, specialized in epigraphy, Ms. Malini Dias and Prof. Karunasena Hettiarachchi, were appointed on January 17, 2024, to issue a report after exploring a 45-feet-long and 18-feet-high inscription. The inscription was recovered by the villagers of Dimbulagala. Accordingly, initial steps in exploring the inscription were completed on November 18, 2023, Vidanapathirana said. Meanwhile, Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Vidura Wickramanayaka, told the media that the printed copies of the inscription should be available to the public and that they must conduct more studies to reveal the history.
Pioneering Sri Lanka’s Archaeological Identity
February 10, 2024
Archaeological excavations cannot be done using heavy machinery such as excavators or bulldozers. It should be done very carefully and with much concentration. Once, in an excavation site, an employer was excavating the earth with the help of a pickaxe. He was trying to recover a clay vessel from the earth. But, the edge of the vessel was damaged by the pickaxe. As the Commissioner of Archaeology approached the place, the employee tried to fix the piece with some saliva. He could stick the piece to the vessel so that he could temporarily cover the damage. The commissioner asked the employee to recover the vessel carefully.
This employee should be actually appreciated because of his disciplined behaviour. He was not really afraid of the damage done to the vessel. Still, he had great respect towards the commissioner as he knew that the vessel he had discovered could be critical evidence in the archaeological research. This commissioner of archaeology was Dr. Charles Godakumbura. He died on February 10, 1977, in Myanmar. Today, excavation works are conducted using modern technology. For this purpose, a developed apparatus is used. Today, Sri Lanka has been able to claim for the service of some talented young archaeologists. If they are trained and guided in the proper way, they would also perform some great services like their predecessors such as Prof. Senerat Paranavitana and Dr. Charles Godakumbura
The discipline of exploring archaeological treasures, which Prof. Senerat Paranavitana had displayed, was continued by Dr. Charles Godakumbura to a certain extent. To become well-proficient in a subject like archaeology, one must have a thorough knowledge of language and literature, archaeological data, and fieldwork. Dr. Charles Godakumbura had been well-equipped with these qualities. His predecessors were H. C. P. Bell, Hokart, and Prof. Paranavitana. After Prof. Paranavitana, Dr Godakumbura became one of the prominent commissioners of archaeology in Sri Lanka. When Prof. Paranavitana was appointed Commissioner of Archaeology, Pandit Munidasa Kumaratunga said, “Some brighten their positions. But because of Prof. Senerat Paranavitana, his position brightens.” The same comments can be attributed to Dr Charles Godakumbura. He was not only the chief of a department. However, he was an expert in several subjects such as languages, literature, sculpture, arts, etc. He displayed his knowledge in these fields so that he was entitled to be involved in archaeology and other subjects. He categorised all his knowledge in one book, ‘Sashtriya Lipi and Katha’ (Classical Articles and Speeches). It was published in 1971. His service expanded to many areas – writing books, encouraging others to write books, reorganising reorganise his department’s works, improving the human resources of his department, etc.
Avukana Buddha statue robing: Warning given by Archaeology Dept.
January 9, 2024
Zonal Archaeology Officers in an on-site inspection said there was no physical damage to the historical Avukana Buddha statue or the surrounding archaeological items due to dressing of the historic Statue with a saffron robe last Poya day.
The Department of Archaeology has informed the Viharadhipathi Thera of Avukana Rajamaha Viharaya with a warning that if these types of actions are done using statues or any other items of historical and archaeological value, they must get permission in writing from the Director General of Archaeology, otherwise they will be dealt with according to the law
The first evidence of Prehistoric seafarers of South Asia was found on Velanai Island in Jaffna.
January 9, 2024
Archaeologists have found 3400-year-old prehistoric human remains in a shell midden on Jaffna Velanai Island. This is reported to be the first confirmed prehistoric human remains found in the Jaffna Peninsula. Researchers point out that the archaeological site with these data is located about one kilometer south of the well-known tourist attraction beach of Velanai Island.
A meeting between the officers working in the Southern Provincial Regional Archaeological Office-22 April 202
22 April 2022
A meeting between the officers working in the Southern Provincial Regional Archaeological Office of the Department of Archeology and the Hon. State Minister for Promotion of National Heritage, Performing Arts and Rural Artists, Mr. Vidura Wickramanayake was held on 13th August 2021 at the Southern Provincial Archaeological Office. An investigation was also carried out into the problems faced by the officers working in the Archaeological sites and the office in the Southern Province. The Hon. Minister, instructed the Director General of Archeology to look into the possibility of gazetting the 300 year old Veil cart and the Kovil as a protected monument at the Unawatuna Ganadevi Kovil in Galle. Mrs. Nishanthi Jayasinghe, Secretary to the State Ministry of National Heritage, Performing Arts and Rural Art Promotion, Prof. Anura Manatunga, Director General of Archeology, Mrs. Wasanthi Alahakoon, Assistant Director of Regional Archeology and officials of the Department of Archeology were present on the occasion.
Dimbulagala Aranya Senasanadhipa Ven. Dimbulagala Rahulalankara Thera said the team of relevant officers and workers of the Archeology Department has been staying on the Dimbulagala mountain range and had started copying the inscription on October 26. The inscription is about 45 feet long and 18 feet high, and it is not possible to exactly say to which era this inscription belongs to. Ven. Rahulalankara Thera also mentioned that it will take another month for the archaeologists to make an official announcement about it. After the completion of the transcription work, the Archeology Department is planning to conserve and display the most rare and largest document in Sri Lanka, so it can be viewed by future generations.
DG Archaeology resigns over discord with govt.
13 june 2023
Director General of the Department of Archaeology Prof. Anura Manatunga yesterday (12) tendered his resignation letter to Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Vidura Wickramanayake. The resignation took place in the wake of President Ranil Wickremesinghe expressing strong displeasure at the conduct of Prof. Manatunga over the acquisition of land in the Northern and Eastern Provinces. Sources said that there had been a dispute over the allocation of land to a particular archaeological site.
Prof. Manatunga was appointed to the topA post on 01 January, 2021 following Dr. Senarath Dissanayake’s retirement. Sources said the President had asked Prof. Manatunga whether the latter was trying to teach him history, during a meeting at the Presidential Secretariat, where a group of MPs representing Tamil political parties were present. Minister Wickramanayake confirmed that he had received Dr. Manatunga’s resignation letter on Friday.
Archaeology DG resigns days after President’s criticism
June 12, 2023
The Director General of the Department of Archaeology, Professor Anura Manatunga has stepped down from his position, Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Vidura Wickramanayaka said today. Minister Vidura Wickramanayaka stated that Prof. Manatunga has submitted a letter to the Secretary of the Ministry, informing his decision to resign. However, the reason for Prof. Manatunga’s resignation is unclear. Prof. Manatunga’s resignation comes days after a meeting between President Ranil Wickremesinghe and officials from the Department of Archaeology. The matter of the acquisition of excess land by the Department of Archaeology in the North and East was raised during the meeting convened last week (08). President Ranil Wickremesinghe called out officials of the Department of Archaeology over the acquisition of excess land under the pretext of heritage properties. At the discussion, Tamil National Alliance (TNA) MPs pointed out the acquisition of lands belonging to the public in the Northern and Eastern Province by the Department, including in the Thannimurippu and Thiriyaya areas. Upon being inquired on the matter, the President informed officials from the Archaeology Department to follow Cabinet policy and to refrain from seizing lands belonging to the public. In an exchange of words with the Department officials, the President also inquired whether he was to provide history lessons to educate them, while he then proceeded to explain the placing of border marker stones in ancient times. While emphasizing the need to protect ancient temples in Sri Lanka, the President issued directives to the officials of the Archaeology Department to remove border marker stones which are being used as a reason to acquire public-owned land. (NewsWire)
Archaeology Dept to make police statement on Maligawa comments
08 January 2023
Archaeology Department will give a statement to the Police tomorrow on defamatory comments made by YouTuber Sepal Amarasinghe regarding the Dalada Maligawa, Director General Anura Manatunge told the Sunday Times. Mr. Amarasinghe was arrested by the CID on Thursday and produced before Colombo’s Additional Magistrate on Friday. He was remanded until January 10. The arrest follows a police complaint from the Archaeology Department which says that under the Antiquities Ordinance, “insulting an archaeological monument is similar to causing damage to an archaeological monument”. Prof. Manatunga said that in the statement to the police, department officials would explain the Ordinance and its violation
Ancient Lanka-Vol. 1 (2022): Siran Deraniyagala Commemoration Volume
18 December 2022
Ancient Lanka is a collaboratively peer reviewed and collaboratively edited open access publication that explores Sri Lanka’s past. Following a flexible publication frequency Ancient Lanka uses a multidisciplinary approach in its development of content that is of interest to academics and the general public. Invited reports on archaeological excavations, surveys, material and commentary related to reconstructing the past of Sri Lanka are considered for publication.
A training in coin indexing for second year archeology students of the Buddhist and Pali University of Sri Lanka
09 November 2022
The Epigraphy and Numismatics section of the Department of Archaeology and the Buddhist & Pali University of Sri Lanka jointly organized this coin indexing training session for second-year undergraduates on 1st, 2nd, and 3rd November 2022, at the Anuradhapura Archaeological Museum.
This training workshop was conducted for the second-year archeology (General/Special) undergraduates of the Sri Lanka Buddhist and Pali University in accordance with the directives of the Director General of Archaeology, Senior Professor Anura Manatunga, under the supervision of the Director (Inscriptions and Numismatics), Mr. Namal Kodithuvakku organized by the Rev. Kanthale Sumiththa.
Rev.Beragama Saddhananda, Senior Lecturer/Head of the Department of Archaeological Studies of Sri Lanka Buddhist and Pali University, and Dr. Isanka Malsiri participated in this training session. Mr. Ajith Athukorala, who oversees the Coin Indexing Project for the Epigraphic and Numismatics Department, together with Inscription Assistant Mr. K.P. Janaka, Inscription Collectors Mr. J.S.B. Niyarepola and Mr. W.A.P. Sanjaya, participated in the workshop on behalf of the Department of Archaeology.
Let's Not Leave Heritage Alone
22 April 2022
The Department of Archeology initiated another step forward in the "Let's Not Leave Heritage Alone" project on October 8, 2021. Under the direction of the Director General of Archeology, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Department of Archeology, Sri Lanka and the Girls' High School, Kandy for the maintenance and the protection of the Kaludiyapokuna Archaeological site near Sigiriya in the Matale District. On behalf of the Department of Archaeology, Director General of Archeology Prof. Anura Manatunga, Mr. DMPB Dissanayake, Assistant Archaeology Director of the Central Province, Ms.Manori Ekanayake, Excavations and Museum officer, Mr. IDM Wijebandaraband Ms Nilanthi Edirisinghe, Archaeological Research Officers took part on behalf the Department. Ms. Malkanthi Abeygunasekara, Ms. Champika Karunadasa, Vice Principal and Mr. Sisira Wickramasinghe, a teacher in Charge of History represented the school.
Training Workshop on Digital Content Development, Drone Technology and photogrammetry
22 April 2022
Training Workshop on Digital Content Development, Drone Technology and photogrammetry - 12 -14 November 2021 The training Workshop was jointly organized by the Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka (ICTA) and the Department of Archeology and held on 12-14November 2021. It was on the effective use of Drone technology and photogrammetry for archeology. The Workshop was held at the National Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Training Center, Kalawewa, Anuradhapura. Dr. Jagath Goonetileke, Postgraduate Institute of Science, University of Peradeniya and Dr. Milinda Piyasena, Faculty of Geomatics, Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka joined as resource persons and shared their knowledge and experiences to educate the officials of Department of Archeology on this new technology and its usefulness to Archaeology. About 45 officers of the Department who worked mainly as Explanation Officers of different zones joined this workshop. Prof. Anura Manatunga, Director General of the Department of Archaeology , Mr. Namal Kodituwakku, Deputy Director (Exploration & Epigraphy), Mr. Gunatilaka Banda Assistant Director of Archaeology (Anuradhapura), Dr. Prasad Ranasinghe Director (Promotion), Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs were special invitees to this programme.
Excavation at Somawathie
21 April 2022
The Polonnaruwa Regional Office commenced excavations at Somawathie Archaeolgical Site on Thursday 29th July 2021 to coincide with the 131st National Archaeological Day. The excavations are being carried out 100 meters east of the Somawathiya Stupa, opposite the old wall with the participation of officers of the Polonnaruwa Reginal office