Galle, rich in diverse species of fish, coral and sea turtles is a key tourist destination in the country that draws thousands of tourists each month. The first underwater museum of the country built in the South will be opened to the public shortly and it would be a novel feature to woo more visitors to the island nation.
The museum, opened off the Galle shores early this month by Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva, boasts of a large collection of artifacts and sculptures made by Sri Lanka Navy.
“Everyone from the wade vendor to the owner of a hotel will benefit by the venture,” Navy Spokesman Lt. Commander Isuru Sooriyabandara told the Sunday Observer. He believes the new venue will serve as an attraction for divers and a breeding ground for fish which would benefit the fisherfolk of the location.
“That is why we are urging them not to use fishing nets over the museum because it could damage the artifacts,” he said. The museum was opened in April despite the curfew since the monsoon provided the ideal setting for photographs. The venue will opened to visitors in keeping with the guidelines of the health authorities.
Following a proposal by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, the museum was built under the supervision of Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva and the manpower of the Navy will maintain the venue.
The statues in the museum according to the Navy have been built by naval personnel and these unique sculptures have been created from concrete and eco-friendly materials. The site will promote the formation of corals which will be an added beauty to the site with the passage of time. The whole underwater story has been set at a depth of around 50 ft in the Galle harbour area providing a unique sightseeing experience for anyone including children, adults, scuba divers and swimmers.
“We always needed recreational facilities such as these to entertain visitors. Not many countries have underwater museums which offers us an edge over competitors in the global tourism,” Kasun Perera who is engaged in tourism in the South told the Sunday Observer.
He also stressed the importance of maintaining the museum that could be damaged by heavy fishing in the area. The initial plan of the museum had been revised.
It was first decided to set up the monumental museum using discarded train compartments and fishing vessels. But later the plan was changed due to the non-availability of products or sufficient time to source discarded train compartments and boats at a short notice.
The concept underwent changes with the new design comprising plaques and sculptures and replicas of artifacts.
The venture is a joint effort of ICC Construction (Pvt) Ltd, INSEE Cement (Lanka) Limited and the Sri Lanka Ports Authority.
The objective of the project is to promote regeneration of corals and fish breeding.
“It is encouraging to note that fish breeding has already begun at the museum site. Come next season we are certain that visitors will throng the area to take a dip into an amazing world which will top the list of attractions of the hotels in the location.
“Fisherfolk have been advised not to engage in fishing at the location during the initial stage to enable fish breeding that would later offer them a bountiful catch” he said.
Navy Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva, a veteran in underwater diving thanked the Commander of the Southern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Kassapa Paul and other officers for playing a praiseworthy role during the construction of the mega project.