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 …
The United States has underscored the critical importance of preserving Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage through an upcoming exhibition and conference on the Godavaya shipwreck, one of the country’s most significant maritime heritage sites. In a statement, the U.S. Embassy in Colombo announced that, in partnership with the Maritime Archaeology Unit of the Central Cultural Fund, …
A series of projects is being implemented by the Central Cultural Fund and the Uva Provincial Tourism Ministry to develop tourism activities around the historically significant Buduruwagala Cultural Heritage Site. Under these projects, with the support of the European Union and the Solidaridad non-governmental organisation, a modern solar-powered boat has been provided for use in …
The Galle Maritime Archaeology Unit has been conducting underwater archaeological research along Sri Lanka’s eastern coastline since 2011. These expeditions began following the end of the northern and eastern armed conflicts, when security and transport facilities in those regions were restored. Initial work was launched in the Trincomalee area. By 2012, exploration and diving operations …
The inauguration ceremony for the conservation of the Bodhi tree base and the expansion of the Bodhi precinct at the historic Padeniya Raja Maha Viharaya, implemented under the North Western Project managed by the Panduwasnuwara site office of the Central Cultural Fund, was held today (20th) at the auspicious time of 10:02 a.m. under the …
Excavation work at Thuparama Monument No. 46, included in the 2025 annual work plan of the Central Cultural Fund’s Mahavihara Project under the Department of Excavation and Research, commenced on April 28, 2025, and has now been completed. The excavation was conducted to identify and preserve the architectural structures of the monument, which is strategically …
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The report compiled by the Inter-Institutional Committee on the preservation of Sigiriya was officially handed over to the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, on June 27, 2025, at the auditorium of the Sigiriya Central Cultural Fund. This set of proposals aims to ensure the balanced conservation and development of …
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Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi, Minister of Buddhist governance, Religious and Cultural Affairs, went on an observation tour at the Archaeological Land of Yapahuwa yesterday (22).The minister said the aim is to set up a formal scheme required to properly preserve historical heritage.The Minister who visited the Yapahuwa project focused on excavations, conservation, landscaping and maintenance …
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In celebration of Poson Poya, the Central Cultural Fund’s Athapatthu Office staff successfully organized a “Bread and Seeni Sambol Dansala” for the fifth consecutive year. The event marked another milestone in the office’s continued efforts to uphold Sri Lanka’s cultural and religious traditions. The dansala was well-received by the public and concluded successfully, offering refreshments …
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Symposium on Zheng He’s (郑和）Voyage and Asian Multi Civilizations was held at the BMICH on 4th and 5th June 2025. This was organized by the Central Cultural Fund of Sri Lanka in collaboration with the Institute of Acoustics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. During this two day symposium scholars from China and Sri Lanka …
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