Visitors to the book exhibition held at BMICH until October 6 can purchase publications of the Central Cultural Fund at Stall K-15. The operations of this stall are organized by the staff of the Central Cultural Fund’s Publications Division, under the coordination of Acting Officer-in-Charge, Mrs. Latha Udawatte.

Sri Lanka, a nation celebrated for its rich history and timeless traditions, recently marked World Tourism Day with a vibrant cultural festival in Anuradhapura, organized by the Central Cultural Fund under the Anuradhapura Project. A highlight of the event was the opportunity given to a foreign couple to step into the role of a traditional Udarata bride and groom. Dressed in the Kandyan bridal attire, they brought to life one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic cultural images, creating a powerful moment that showcased the island’s living heritage to the world. The festival demonstrated that Sri Lankan tourism is more than sightseeing — it’s about experiencing culture firsthand. Visitors were able to engage with age-old rituals, taste authentic cuisine, and explore the unique customs that make Sri Lanka stand out as a cultural treasure. With Anuradhapura — a UNESCO World Heritage city — as the backdrop, the celebration reinforced Sri Lanka’s reputation as a country of cultural renaissance, opening new opportunities to share its heritage with global audiences. This initiative not only highlighted Sri Lanka’s proud traditions but also marked the beginning of a renewed journey to carry its cultural story across the world.

The Godawaya Shipwreck Exhibition was inaugurated at the BMICH in Colombo, showcasing artefacts from the oldest known wooden shipwreck in the Asia-Pacific, dating back more than 2,100 years. U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung and Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi officiated at the opening, alongside the Central Cultural Fund’s Maritime Archaeology Unit (MAU). The exhibition is the result of the multi-year Godawaya Shipwreck Project, supported by the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), a collaborative effort between the United States and Sri Lanka. Through the recovery and conservation of ancient trade goods — including pottery, grinding stones, glass and metal ingots, and carnelian beads — the project highlights shared efforts to protect cultural heritage while underscoring the importance of secure maritime connections. Speaking at the launch, Ambassador Chung noted: “Maritime heritage is a story of connection — and today’s U.S.–Sri Lanka partnership continues that legacy. From ports to people, we are Indo-Pacific partners working together to safeguard security, ensure open commerce, and protect the futures of our nations. The Godawaya shipwreck is a reminder that secure sea lanes have powered prosperity for centuries and remain vital to both American and Sri Lankan interests today.” The exhibition is open to the public from 11:00 a.m. on September 3, and from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on September 4 and 5. Load More End of Content.