Thirty years collection goes to Archaeology Dept

Priyanka KURUGALA

The artefacts

Diver and ornament fish exporter Ananda Pathirana collected numerous artifacts from the bottom of the sea for 30 years. He handed over the collection to National Heritage Minister Jagath Balasooriya, who handed it over to Archaeological Director General Senarath Dissanayaka.

"It is admirable to note that while treasure hunters hunt national heritages, Ananda Pathirana donates his collection to the Archaeology Department," Minister Balasooriya said addressing a ceremony at the Archaeology Department.

The National Heritage Ministry will exhibit the artefacts donated by Pathirana at the proposed Ocean Museum in Trincomalee, scheduled to be inaugurated in August, National Heritage Ministry Senior Additional Secretary Vijitha Nanda Kumara said. Until the museum is open, the artefacts will be exhibited in the Archaeological Department, he said.

"Ocean archeology in Sri Lanka has to move forward and the country needs to implement the Act of Ocean Archeology as soon as possible," the minister said.

Four artilleries, ceramics, large copper pots, stone carvings and statutes comprised the collection, he said.

Minister Jagath Balasuriya receives the artefacts from Ananda Pathirana at the Archaeological Department.

Archaeological Director General Senerath Dissanayake, ministry Secretary Kanthi Wijethunga and Senior Additional Secretary Vijitha Nanada Kumara also participated in the event.