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Researching history under the sea off Galle The marine archaeological unit based in the National Maritime Museum in Galle Fort and run by UNESCO has identified 16 places where excavation can be done in the sea off Galle harbour. In one spot marine researchers succeeded in bringing to the surface a stone anchor weighing about 800 kgs probably belonging to an Arab ship.
On making a closer search they found two stout timber planks, each a metre long, which were believed to have been fixed to the anchor. All items were despatched to Western Australian Maritime Museum. In a carbon dating carried out there by Dr. Ian Gootrey the two were dated to the period AD 1400 – 1500 but their usage goes beyond the Christian era, according to marine archaeological experts.The items confirm that Galle port existed even before the advent of the Portuguese in the 16th century. Lt. Commander Somasiri Devendra is a pioneer marine archaeologist in the research unit whose service was helpful in the find. More research work is to take place under the direction of Dr. Mohan Abeyratne and the Director General of the Central Cultural Fund Dr. Wijepala. Australia and the Netherlands are sponsoring the research work here. | ||||
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