Education
Maritime Heritage Education
Inspiring the next generation to appreciate, protect, and study Sri Lanka's underwater cultural heritage.
The Maritime Archaeology Unit is committed to promoting awareness and understanding of Sri Lanka's rich maritime heritage through a variety of educational programs, resources, and activities. We believe that education is essential for fostering appreciation of our underwater cultural heritage and ensuring its long-term protection.
Our educational initiatives are designed for diverse audiences, from primary school students to university scholars, as well as the general public. Through these programs, we aim to share the excitement of maritime archaeological discoveries while promoting the importance of scientific research and heritage conservation.
Whether through classroom materials, hands-on workshops, museum visits, or professional training, our goal is to make maritime archaeology accessible and engaging for everyone.
Educational Programs
Our structured learning opportunities for various age groups and educational levels.
Programs for Schools
Educational activities designed for primary and secondary school students to learn about maritime archaeology and underwater cultural heritage.
Guided Museum Visits
Ages 8-18Specialized guided tours of the Maritime Archaeology Museum for school groups, with age-appropriate activities and interpretive materials. Students explore maritime artifacts, shipwreck stories, and conservation processes with trained educators.
- 90-minute sessions
- 15-30 students per group
- Maritime Museum, Galle
Classroom Resource Kits
Ages 10-16Portable educational kits available for loan to schools, containing replica artifacts, educational materials, lesson plans, and activities that align with national curriculum requirements for history, geography, and science.
- Lending period: 2 weeks
- Teacher guide included
- Curriculum-aligned activities
Young Archaeologist Day
Ages 12-15Hands-on workshops where students participate in simulated archaeological activities including artifact documentation, conservation techniques, and underwater site mapping. This immersive program introduces students to maritime archaeology methodologies.
- Full-day program
- Maximum 20 students
- Once monthly during school year
Digital Learning Platform
Ages 8-18Online educational resources including interactive activities, videos, virtual tours, and downloadable worksheets that allow students to explore maritime archaeology and underwater cultural heritage remotely.
- Self-paced learning
- Multiple education levels
- Accessible from anywhere
Plan Your School Program
To book a school program or learn more about our educational offerings for students, please contact our Education Office.
Book a School ProgramUniversity Programs
Academic opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate students interested in maritime archaeology and heritage management.
Maritime Archaeology Field School
Undergraduate & PostgraduateIntensive field training program providing hands-on experience in underwater archaeological methods, documentation techniques, and artifact handling. Students participate in actual research projects under the supervision of experienced maritime archaeologists.
- 3-week program (July-August)
- Academic credit available
- PADI diving certification required
Research Internships
Upper Undergraduate & PostgraduateSemester-long research internships where students work alongside MAU staff on current research projects. Interns gain experience in various aspects of maritime archaeology including fieldwork, laboratory analysis, conservation, and research publication.
- 3-6 month placements
- Mentorship from MAU researchers
- Research report required
Guest Lectures & Seminars
All University LevelsMAU researchers offer specialized lectures and seminars for university courses in archaeology, history, heritage management, and other related disciplines. These sessions can be tailored to specific course objectives and academic levels.
- At university campuses or online
- Customizable to course needs
- Interactive formats available
Dissertation Research Support
PostgraduateSupport for master's and doctoral students conducting dissertation research on topics related to maritime archaeology, underwater cultural heritage, conservation science, or maritime history. Includes access to research collections, archival materials, and laboratory facilities.
- Access to research resources
- Laboratory facilities available
- Consultation with specialists
University Collaboration
For inquiries about academic partnerships, student internships, or research collaboration opportunities, please contact our Academic Coordinator.
Academic InquiriesPublic Programs
Educational activities designed for the general public and lifelong learners of all ages.
Public Lecture Series
General PublicMonthly evening lectures on maritime archaeology topics, recent discoveries, and ongoing research projects. Presented by MAU researchers and visiting scholars, these accessible talks introduce the public to the fascinating world of underwater archaeology.
- Last Thursday of each month
- Maritime Museum Auditorium
- Free admission (registration required)
Maritime Heritage Workshops
Adults & FamiliesHands-on workshops for adults and families covering topics such as traditional boatbuilding techniques, navigation methods, maritime crafts, and basic conservation skills. These interactive sessions connect modern audiences with traditional maritime knowledge.
- 2-3 hour sessions
- Weekends throughout the year
- Family-friendly options available
Special Exhibition Tours
General PublicCurator-led tours of temporary and permanent exhibitions at the Maritime Museum. These tours provide in-depth information about artifacts, archaeological sites, and the stories behind the displays, offering insights beyond the regular exhibition text.
- Led by museum curators
- Small groups of 10-15 people
- Weekly on Saturdays
Community Archaeology Program
Local CommunitiesParticipatory archaeology initiatives that engage coastal communities in documenting, preserving, and interpreting their local maritime heritage. This program combines scientific methods with community knowledge to create a more inclusive approach to heritage management.
- Various coastal locations
- Community-driven approach
- No experience necessary
Join Our Programs
Stay informed about upcoming public programs, workshops, and events through our monthly newsletter.
Program NewsletterProfessional Training
Specialized training courses for professionals in archaeology, conservation, heritage management, and related fields.
Introduction to Underwater Archaeology
Entry LevelA two-week intensive course providing archaeologists and heritage professionals with the foundational skills needed for underwater archaeological investigations. Covers survey methods, recording techniques, equipment use, and safety protocols.
- Offered twice annually
- Certificate of completion provided
- Basic diving skills required
Conservation of Maritime Archaeological Materials
IntermediateSpecialized training in the conservation techniques for waterlogged archaeological materials including wood, metal, ceramics, and organic remains. Participants learn practical methodologies for stabilization, desalination, and long-term preservation.
- 10-day intensive workshop
- Hands-on laboratory exercises
- Conservation background preferred
3D Documentation for Underwater Sites
AdvancedAdvanced training in digital documentation techniques including underwater photogrammetry, 3D modeling, and digital data management for underwater archaeological sites and artifacts. Participants develop skills in creating accurate digital records.
- 5-day intensive workshop
- Software and equipment provided
- Technical background recommended
Managing Underwater Cultural Heritage
Policy & ManagementTraining for heritage managers, policy makers, and administrators responsible for underwater cultural heritage. Covers legal frameworks, site management plans, public engagement strategies, and sustainable tourism development.
- Annual 1-week course
- Regional and international participants
- UNESCO collaboration
Professional Development
For information about upcoming professional training courses, application procedures, and scholarship opportunities, please contact our Training Coordinator.
Training InquiriesEducational Resources
Free learning materials to explore maritime archaeology and underwater cultural heritage.
Classroom Materials
Downloadable lesson plans, worksheets, and activities for teachers to use in classroom settings. All materials are aligned with national curriculum standards and organized by age group and subject area.
Browse MaterialsEducational Videos
A collection of short videos on various aspects of maritime archaeology, conservation processes, underwater excavation techniques, and significant discoveries. Suitable for educational use.
Watch VideosVirtual Exhibitions
Interactive online exhibitions that allow virtual visitors to explore underwater archaeological sites, shipwrecks, and artifact collections through 360° panoramas and 3D models.
Explore ExhibitionsPublications for Young Readers
Books, comics, and illustrated guides about maritime archaeology and underwater cultural heritage specifically created for children and young adults. Available in English, Sinhala, and Tamil.
View PublicationsEducational Games
Interactive online games and activities that teach concepts related to maritime archaeology, artifact identification, conservation, and historical maritime trade through engaging gameplay.
Play GamesTeacher Professional Development
Resources for teachers including webinars, teaching guides, and background information to help educators incorporate maritime archaeology into their curriculum.
Teacher ResourcesStudent Projects Showcase
Highlighting outstanding projects completed by students through our educational programs.
Ceramics Trade Routes Mapping
This project analyzed the distribution of Chinese ceramic artifacts found in Sri Lankan shipwrecks to reconstruct maritime trade patterns during the 15th-17th centuries. The research combined archaeological data with historical records to visualize changing trade networks.
View Project
3D Documentation of the Avondster Cannons
Through the 3D Documentation workshop, this project created detailed digital models of bronze cannons recovered from the Avondster shipwreck. The models revealed previously unnoticed maker's marks and decorative elements that helped identify the cannon's origin.
View Project
Maritime Heritage Awareness Campaign
After participating in the Young Archaeologist Day, students from Royal College created an awareness campaign about maritime heritage protection. Their project included posters, social media content, and community presentations about the importance of preserving underwater cultural sites.
View ProjectEducation Calendar
Upcoming educational programs, workshops, and events for all audiences.
April 2025
Young Archaeologist Day
9:00 AM - 3:00 PM | Maritime Museum, Galle
A hands-on workshop for students ages 12-15 introducing basic archaeological techniques and maritime heritage concepts.
RegisterConservation of Maritime Archaeological Materials
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM | Conservation Laboratory, Colombo
Professional training workshop on conservation techniques for waterlogged archaeological materials. For heritage professionals and conservators.
RegisterTeacher Workshop: Maritime Heritage in the Classroom
1:00 PM - 4:30 PM | Education Center, Colombo
Professional development workshop for teachers on incorporating maritime archaeology and heritage into school curriculum.
RegisterPublic Lecture: "Trade Winds and Treasures"
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM | Maritime Museum Auditorium
Dr. Anusha Fernando presents new research findings on Indian Ocean trade networks based on maritime archaeological evidence.
RegisterFamily Day: Maritime Crafts Workshop
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM | Maritime Museum, Galle
Interactive workshop for families with children ages 6+ to learn about traditional maritime crafts and create their own nautical-themed artwork.
RegisterMeet Our Education Team
The dedicated professionals who develop and deliver our educational programs.
Ms. Dilini Jayawardena
Education & Public Outreach Officer
With a background in museum education and archaeology, Dilini oversees all educational programs and develops interpretive strategies for public engagement with maritime heritage.
Mr. Danushka Silva
School Programs Coordinator
A former teacher with expertise in experiential learning, Danushka designs and delivers educational activities for primary and secondary school students and manages school visits.
Dr. Chaminda Fernando
Academic Coordinator
With a PhD in Heritage Studies, Chaminda manages university partnerships, research internships, and professional training programs, connecting academic research with educational initiatives.
Ms. Lakshmi Perera
Educational Resources Developer
Specializing in instructional design, Lakshmi creates educational materials including classroom resources, digital learning content, and interactive exhibitions.
Mr. Keerthi Gunasekera
Community Programs Facilitator
With experience in community development, Keerthi coordinates participatory heritage initiatives with coastal communities and facilitates public workshops and events.
Ms. Amali Dissanayake
Digital Education Specialist
Combining expertise in digital media and archaeology, Amali develops virtual exhibitions, educational videos, and interactive digital resources for various learning platforms.
What People Say
Feedback from participants in our educational programs.
The Young Archaeologist Day was a transformative experience for our students. They returned to school brimming with enthusiasm about history and archaeology. The hands-on activities made concepts tangible and sparked a deep interest in maritime heritage that we've been able to build on in our curriculum.
The Maritime Archaeological Materials Conservation workshop provided exactly the specialized knowledge I needed for my work. The instructors combined theoretical principles with extensive hands-on practice, and I left with practical skills I could immediately apply to conservation challenges in my own institution.
The internship program gave me invaluable field experience that complemented my academic studies. Working alongside professional maritime archaeologists on actual research projects provided insights that no classroom could offer. This experience was instrumental in securing my current position.
Contact Our Education Team
Get in touch to learn more about our educational programs and resources.
education@mau.ccf.gov.lk
Phone
+94 11 2XXX XXX (Colombo Office)
+94 91 2XXX XXX (Galle Office)
Education Centers
Maritime Museum Education Center
Galle Fort, Galle
MAU Education Office
Central Cultural Fund Building
Colombo 07
Office Hours
Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM