Research
Our Research Approach
Exploring Sri Lanka's underwater cultural heritage through scientific investigation and multidisciplinary collaboration.
The Maritime Archaeology Unit conducts rigorous research on underwater archaeological sites around Sri Lanka to document, interpret, and preserve the nation's rich maritime heritage. Our research integrates advanced technological methods with careful archaeological practices to recover historical information about Sri Lanka's maritime past and its connections with global trade networks.
Our investigations focus on shipwrecks, submerged ports, anchorages, and other underwater cultural heritage sites. Through this research, we seek to understand the technologies, trade patterns, cultural exchanges, and maritime activities that have shaped Sri Lanka's history as an important node in Indian Ocean networks.
Research at MAU is conducted by a multidisciplinary team of maritime archaeologists, conservators, historians, and heritage specialists who collaborate with international partners to ensure the highest standards of scientific inquiry and interpretation.
Research Focus Areas
Our primary areas of investigation that guide our research projects.
Shipwreck Archaeology
Investigation of shipwrecks in Sri Lankan waters from different time periods, including Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonial vessels as well as traditional Asian ships. Our research examines ship construction techniques, cargo composition, and the circumstances of wrecking events.
Ancient Ports & Harbors
Documentation and analysis of submerged port facilities, harbors, and anchorages that functioned as maritime trade hubs throughout Sri Lanka's history, with special emphasis on sites mentioned in historical texts like Godawaya, Mantai, and ancient Galle.
Maritime Trade Networks
Research on the material evidence of Sri Lanka's participation in regional and international maritime trade networks, including the examination of trade goods, exchange patterns, and economic connections from ancient to modern times.
Traditional Maritime Knowledge
Documentation of traditional boatbuilding techniques, navigation methods, fishing practices, and other maritime traditional knowledge that represents Sri Lanka's intangible maritime cultural heritage.
Conservation Science
Development and testing of conservation methodologies specifically adapted for artifacts recovered from marine environments, including desalination techniques, stabilization methods, and long-term preservation approaches.
Maritime Cultural Landscapes
Holistic study of Sri Lanka's coastal cultural landscapes that examines the relationship between underwater sites, coastal settlements, and the natural environment to understand how maritime activities shaped human interaction with the sea.
Research Methodology
Our systematic approach to investigating underwater cultural heritage.
1. Archival Research
Examination of historical records, maps, and documents to identify potential underwater archaeological sites and establish historical context.
2. Remote Sensing
Use of side-scan sonar, magnetometer, and other geophysical methods to survey underwater areas and detect anomalies that may represent archaeological sites.
3. Archaeological Diving
Direct observation and recording of underwater sites by trained archaeological divers to assess site characteristics and significance.
4. Site Recording
Detailed documentation through underwater photography, videography, photogrammetry, and traditional archaeological recording methods to create comprehensive site plans.
5. Excavation
Carefully controlled archaeological excavation when necessary, with emphasis on minimal disturbance and in-situ preservation whenever possible.
6. Conservation
Specialized treatment and analysis of recovered artifacts in our conservation laboratory, including material identification, dating, and stabilization.
7. Scientific Analysis
Application of scientific techniques including materials analysis, radiocarbon dating, dendrochronology, and other methods to extract data from artifacts and samples.
8. Interpretation & Publication
Synthesis of findings, scholarly interpretation, and dissemination through academic publications, reports, presentations, and public outreach.
Featured Research Projects
Significant research initiatives that have advanced our understanding of Sri Lanka's maritime heritage.
The Avondster Project
2001-2007The Avondster Project was a major multi-year research initiative focusing on the excavation and documentation of the Dutch East India Company (VOC) ship Avondster, which sank in Galle harbor in 1659. This comprehensive project became a model for scientific shipwreck excavation in the region and produced significant findings about Dutch colonial maritime trade, shipbuilding techniques, and the daily life of sailors on VOC vessels.
Godawaya Ancient Port Research
2012-2016The Godawaya research project investigated the submerged remains of an ancient port that functioned as a significant maritime trade hub during the 2nd century CE. Located at the mouth of the Walawe River in Southern Sri Lanka, Godawaya is one of the few sites where archaeological evidence aligns with historical inscriptions mentioning a seaport. Our research has revealed evidence of Indo-Roman trade connections and early Buddhist maritime networks.
Maritime Trade Routes Mapping
2018-PresentThis ongoing research initiative aims to reconstruct the maritime trade routes that connected Sri Lanka with other Indian Ocean regions from ancient to colonial periods. By analyzing archaeological evidence, historical texts, shipwreck distribution, and artifact provenances, the project is creating comprehensive maps of changing maritime networks over time. This research highlights Sri Lanka's central role in Indian Ocean trade systems.
Research Publications
Select scholarly publications by our team that contribute to global knowledge about maritime archaeology.
Material Evidence of 16th Century Portuguese Maritime Trade in Sri Lanka: New Insights from Shipwreck Archaeology
Journal of Maritime Archaeology, 19(2), 112-134.
This paper presents new archaeological evidence from a recently discovered Portuguese shipwreck off Sri Lanka's eastern coast, providing insights into early colonial maritime trade networks and material culture exchanges in the 16th century Indian Ocean world.
Shipwrecks of Galle Harbor: A Comprehensive Archaeological Analysis
Oxford University Press, 328 pages.
This monograph presents the complete archaeological documentation and analysis of shipwrecks discovered in Galle Harbor, spanning the 13th to 20th centuries. It provides a comprehensive catalogue of wrecks, artifact assemblages, and historical contextualizations, representing over two decades of maritime archaeological research.
The Godawaya Harbor Complex: Archaeological Evidence of an Ancient Indian Ocean Port
International Journal of Nautical Archaeology, 51(1), 78-96.
This paper presents the results of underwater and terrestrial archaeological investigations at Godawaya, documenting the harbor infrastructure, maritime trade artifacts, and religious connections of this 2nd century CE port mentioned in ancient inscriptions.
3D Documentation Methodologies for Underwater Cultural Heritage in Sri Lanka
Proceedings of the 7th Asia-Pacific Regional Conference on Underwater Cultural Heritage, Singapore, 159-172.
This paper presents innovative approaches to digital documentation of underwater archaeological sites in Sri Lanka, discussing the implementation of photogrammetry, 3D modeling, and digital visualization techniques adapted for tropical marine environments.
Underwater Archaeological Survey of Trincomalee Harbor: Phase I Technical Report
Maritime Archaeology Unit, Central Cultural Fund, Technical Report Series No. 12.
This technical report documents the first comprehensive underwater archaeological survey of Trincomalee Harbor, presenting findings related to shipwrecks, maritime infrastructure, and cultural material spanning from the medieval to modern periods, with special emphasis on 18th-19th century naval activities.
Conservation of Waterlogged Archaeological Wood: Comparative Analysis of PEG and Freeze-Drying Treatments in a Tropical Context
Studies in Conservation, 65(4), 225-241.
This study evaluates the effectiveness of different conservation treatments for waterlogged archaeological wood recovered from maritime sites in Sri Lanka, examining the specific challenges posed by tropical marine environments and proposing adapted methodologies for long-term preservation.
Research Collaborations
Our partnerships with leading international institutions that enhance our research capabilities.
University of Oxford
Collaboration on the Maritime Trade Routes Mapping Project, joint field research, and academic exchanges in maritime archaeology methodologies.
Western Australian Maritime Museum
Technical partnership for shipwreck documentation and conservation, with focus on colonial-era vessels and conservation science.
National Research Institute for Cultural Properties, Tokyo
Joint research on Asian maritime trade networks, conservation science, and documentation of underwater archaeological sites.
University of Colombo
Academic partnership for maritime historical research, archaeological science, and student training in underwater archaeology.
Amsterdam Maritime Archaeology Center
Collaboration on research related to Dutch East India Company (VOC) maritime heritage in Sri Lankan waters.
UNESCO
Partnership for development of best practices in underwater cultural heritage management and international capacity building in maritime archaeology.
Research Resources
Facilities and resources that support our maritime archaeological research.
Maritime Archaeology Library
Our specialized library contains over 5,000 volumes on maritime archaeology, maritime history, conservation, and underwater cultural heritage management. It includes rare historical documents, maps, and technical publications that support our research activities.
Library InformationDigital Repository
Our digital repository houses comprehensive documentation of underwater sites, 3D models, photogrammetry data, and underwater photography archives. This resource provides researchers with access to standardized documentation of Sri Lanka's underwater cultural heritage.
Repository AccessConservation Laboratory
Our specialized conservation laboratory is equipped for the treatment and analysis of waterlogged archaeological materials. The facility includes desalination tanks, freeze-dryers, and analytical equipment for material characterization and preservation.
Laboratory InformationResearch Guidelines
We have developed comprehensive methodological guidelines for underwater archaeological research in Sri Lankan waters, including protocols for site recording, artifact recovery, conservation, and reporting that meet international standards.
Download GuidelinesResearch Applications
How our research contributes to heritage management, education, and cultural tourism.
Heritage Management
Our research directly informs the development of protection policies and management plans for underwater cultural heritage in Sri Lanka. The data generated through our projects helps identify significant sites for legal protection and conservation interventions.
Educational Programs
Findings from our research are incorporated into educational materials for schools, universities, and public learning. These resources help increase awareness about Sri Lanka's maritime heritage and the importance of its preservation.
Cultural Tourism
Our research supports the development of sustainable maritime heritage tourism initiatives, including museum exhibitions, heritage trails, and interpretive materials that showcase Sri Lanka's rich maritime history to local and international visitors.
Community Engagement
Research projects engage local coastal communities through participatory documentation, oral history recording, and involving traditional knowledge holders in the interpretation of maritime cultural heritage.
Capacity Building
Our research activities build local expertise in maritime archaeology through training programs, skill development, and knowledge transfer, reducing dependency on international expertise for underwater cultural heritage management.
Regional Cooperation
Research findings contribute to regional understanding of shared maritime heritage in the Indian Ocean, fostering cooperation between countries for the protection of underwater cultural heritage across maritime boundaries.
Research Inquiries
For inquiries about our research activities, collaboration opportunities, or access to our resources, please contact our Research Coordination Office.
research@mau.ccf.gov.lk
+94 11 2XXX XXX
Dr. Anusha Fernando, Research Coordinator
We welcome research collaboration proposals, visiting researcher applications, and student internship inquiries related to maritime archaeology and underwater cultural heritage.