Launch of "Shipwrecks around Sri Lanka" digital platform to bolster maritime heritage and diving tourism

Developed by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau with the extensive technical support and facilitation of the Sri Lanka Navy, the official launch of the "SHIPWRECKS AROUND SRI LANKA" website was held in Colombo on 12 Mar 26. The event was also attended by the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Kanchana Banagoda.

This national digital platform serves as a comprehensive archive of the nation’s underwater treasures. The Sri Lanka Navy Diving and Salvage Unit played a pivotal role in this initiative, providing essential diving expertise and conducting complex underwater explorations, surveys, and high-definition photography and videography to populate the site.

The newly launched portal currently features detailed information on 70 shipwrecks scattered across the island’s seabed. This digital repository offers a fascinating look into historical maritime trade routes, featuring wrecks from the early 18th century Mughal Empire era, alongside vessels from the colonial period and the World Wars. By making this data accessible, the project provides explorers and researchers with a unique window into history while offering a glimpse of the unparalleled diving experiences available in Sri Lankan waters.

Beyond its historical value, the project underscores the Sri Lanka Navy’s professional commitment to promoting the diving tourism sector.

The website also provides vital guidelines on safety protocols and restrictions for navigating deep-sea wrecks and historically significant locations. Through this collaborative effort, the Sri Lanka Navy continues to support the transformation of the island into a premier international destination for shipwreck diving, ensuring that our maritime heritage is both celebrated and preserved for future generations.