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by Nadira Gunatilleke

Netherlands Government has granted Rs. 66 million to Sri Lanka for the marine archaeological exploration project jointly implemented by the Central Cultural Fund (CCF) and the Department of Archaeology around the Galle harbour. The project is to be completed by 2004, a Cultural Affairs Division spokesman of the Ministry of Human Resources Development, Education and Cultural Affairs said.

He said that the project was launched in 1992 by the CCF and the Archaeological Department with the assistance of Netherlands. A team of marine archaeological divers attached to the CCF explore the area under the supervision of Netherlands marine archaeologists.

The team of divers discovered a 400 year old anchor, artillery, big and small tugs, wooden drums, clay jugs, pieces of pots, bullets used for artillery and a woman's skull and several other archaeological objects. Those objects belong to a Dutch sailing ship which sank in the Galle harbour 400 years ago.

According to Sri Lankan and Netherlands archaeologists these explorations will reveal historical ties between the two countries and strengthen the friendship between Sri Lanka and Netherlands. The exploration will also reveal the historical links that existed between Europe and Asia. These details were revealed during a special discussion held at Dutch House, Galle with the presence of Human Resources Development, Education and Cultural Affairs Minister Dr. Karunasena Kodithuwakku and the Netherlands Ambassador Ms. Susan Blankhart.

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