Deputy Minister of Tourism Ruwan Ranasinghe said Sri Lanka should take steps to properly identify, protect, and promote historic shipwrecks located off its coast as a major tourism attraction.
Speaking at a recent event, Ranasinghe noted that several important shipwrecks have been discovered in Sri Lankan waters, including what is believed to be the world’s first aircraft carrier. He said these underwater sites could become unique tourist attractions if they are properly managed and preserved.
He explained that exploring shipwrecks requires advanced diving technology and specialised technical expertise, making underwater archaeology a highly specialised field.
Ranasinghe also expressed concern about the protection of underwater heritage, warning that some shipwrecks may have been damaged or illegally salvaged in the past. He said that although such sites fall under archaeological protection by law, stronger coordination and active management are necessary.
He emphasized that Sri Lanka has a responsibility to safeguard these valuable resources while making use of their tourism potential.
The Deputy Minister added that responsible promotion of underwater heritage sites as international attractions could generate significant tourism revenue for the country.
