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 were carried out in the Vakarei and Pasikudah regions to locate sunken ships. These efforts uncovered valuable information on several vessels that sank during World War II.
Research along the extensive eastern coastline, stretching from Panama to Kuchchaveli, was supported by the Sri Lanka Navy, local divers, and fishing communities. Each operation typically spanned a period of four to six weeks annually.
After a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, underwater archaeological activities in the eastern seas resumed in 2025. To date, 22 sunken ships and four aircraft wrecks have been discovered in the region.
This year’s expedition, covering the maritime zones of Vakarei, Kayankeni, Pasikudah, and Kalkudah, will run from July 25 to August 20, 2025. The mission aims to uncover and preserve historically significant heritage in the eastern marine environment, making a valuable contribution to the field of archaeology.
