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.
