National Shipwreck Database of Sri Lanka: A non-Intrusive Documentation of Maritime Heritage in Sri Lankan Water
Dublin Core
Title
National Shipwreck Database of Sri Lanka: A non-Intrusive Documentation of Maritime Heritage in Sri Lankan Water
Description
The creation of the National Shipwreck Database of Sri Lanka (NSDSL) was initiated by the Maritime Archaeology Unit (MAU) to address the fragmented state of data collected from various shipwreck sites around the country. Established in 2001 in Galle under the Central Cultural Fund, the MAU teamed up with the Institute of Archaeology and Heritage Studies and the Cultural Heritage Agency of the Netherlands to centralise the data and make it accessible to interested parties. The primary objective of the database was to effectively administer the data amassed from maritime wreck locations and distribute this information to pertinent stakeholders while concurrently heightening public cognisance.
The NSDSL is valuable for diverse stakeholders, such as marine researchers, the tourism industry, the Sri Lanka Navy, universities, the public, and the media. It plays a critical role in protecting shipwrecks, preventing illegal activities like salvage work, and preserving heritage significance.
The database contains comprehensive information on 109 wreck sites, including 103 shipwrecks and six aircraft remains, curated by qualified researchers and professionals. Detailed data, such as name, operation period, wreck type, depth, and legal status, are provided for each site. Additionally, over 80 sites feature supplementary materials like videos, photos, descriptions, and research information.
A user-friendly web-based application was developed for data collection and entry, with a visually appealing front end for easy navigation. Key features include an interactive map of shipwreck locations; a maritime timeline; details on the oldest shipwreck in the Asia-Pacific region; a searchable shipwreck dashboard with interactive charts; publications by the MAU, and restricted access for researchers upon request.
The NSDSL successfully achieved its objective by implementing the database, thus facilitating effective data administration and stakeholder engagement.
The NSDSL is valuable for diverse stakeholders, such as marine researchers, the tourism industry, the Sri Lanka Navy, universities, the public, and the media. It plays a critical role in protecting shipwrecks, preventing illegal activities like salvage work, and preserving heritage significance.
The database contains comprehensive information on 109 wreck sites, including 103 shipwrecks and six aircraft remains, curated by qualified researchers and professionals. Detailed data, such as name, operation period, wreck type, depth, and legal status, are provided for each site. Additionally, over 80 sites feature supplementary materials like videos, photos, descriptions, and research information.
A user-friendly web-based application was developed for data collection and entry, with a visually appealing front end for easy navigation. Key features include an interactive map of shipwreck locations; a maritime timeline; details on the oldest shipwreck in the Asia-Pacific region; a searchable shipwreck dashboard with interactive charts; publications by the MAU, and restricted access for researchers upon request.
The NSDSL successfully achieved its objective by implementing the database, thus facilitating effective data administration and stakeholder engagement.
Creator
Anuradha Piyadasa
Rasika Muthucumarana
Indika Hewage
Dharshana Jayawardena
Publisher
The Museum of Underwater Archaeology
Date
2023
Language
English
Bibliographic Citation
Piyadasa, Anuradha, Rasika Muthucumarana, Indika Hewage and Dharshana Jayawardena. 2023. “National Shipwreck Database of Sri Lanka: A non-intrusive documentation of maritime heritage in Sri Lankan Waters.” Edited by Jennifer Craig, Jay Mok, and T. Kurt Knoerl. In Proceedings of Fifth Asia Pacific Regional Conference on Underwater Cultural Heritage: Gwangju, The Republic of Korea, November 13-18 2023. The Museum of Underwater Archaeology. URL: https://apconf.omeka.net/exhibits/show/apconfproceedings/item/2034
Files
Citation
Anuradha Piyadasa et al., “National Shipwreck Database of Sri Lanka: A non-Intrusive Documentation of Maritime Heritage in Sri Lankan Water,” APCONF-MUCH Proceedings Recently Added Items, accessed October 24, 2026, https://apconf-much.org/proceedings/items/show/660.