Call to introduce maritime archaeology as separate course of study

Sri Lanka possesses an outstanding history of maritime archeology which has earned global reputation and recognition. The Southern coastal belt has been identified as a region rich with maritime archeological resources, Culture and the Arts Minister T B Ekanayake said.

"We have embarked on a vital mission of educating schoolchildren and university students on various themes of this maritime science. However I feel that as a long time process, maritime archaeology should be introduced to our university system as a separate course of study," he said.

The Maritime Archeological Exhibition at the Galle Maritime Museum organised jointly by the Maritime Archeological Unit and Maritime Archeological Museum was opened by Culture and the Arts Minister T B Ekanayake. Here, the minister examines an Electrolytic Treatment for Conservation of an archaeological discovery plant on display at the exhibition. Picture by Mahinda P Liyanage, Galle Daily News correspondent

The minister was speaking at the 'Samudraka Maritime Archeology Symposium and Exhibition - 2013' jointly organised by the Maritime Archeology Unit and Maritime Archeology Museum and Central Cultural Fund Galle Project at Halle de Galle.

The minister as the Chief Guest, said Sri Lanka's coasts are abundant with precious maritime archeological assets and material which hold proof to the maritime and naval activities of Sri Lanka since time immemorial.

"Studies on these marine archeological discoveries have revealed amazing facts about naval relationship of Sri Lanka had maintained with the rest of the world for many thousands of years in the distant past," he said.

The minister said the value of archaeological findings increase if we can preserve and conserve the same spots of the sea bed where they are found.

"Tourists have diverse anxieties and ambitions. Some like to explore forests while some prefer to travel around the country. There are also visitors fond of underwater adventurous expeditions where they can discover maritime archeological treasures at their original locations," Ekanayake said.

"There are thousands of people interested in maritime archaeology and connected disciplines. If we could properly manage our maritime archeological reserves in such a way to attract them, it would be big boon for the tourist industry. We have planned to introduce a special maritime archaeological tourism region for the development of which we have already held discussion with the Chinese government," he said.

OIC Maritime Archeological Unit maritime archaeologist W M Chandrarathne delivered the welcome address.

The invited lecture of the symposium was delivered by Lieutenant Commander Somasiri Devendra.

Other lectures were delivered by A M A Dayananda of the Galle Maritime Archeology Unit of Central Cultural Fund and CCF Galle Project maritime archaeologist Nandadasa Samarweera,

Southern Province governor Kumari Balasuriya and Southern Province Tourism Minister U G D Ariyathilake were special invitees.