Fisherman donates 30 years of underwater treasures to Archaeology Department

A fisherman donates his collection of artifacts from the bottom of the ocean to the archaeology department of Sri Lanka.

Thirty years collection goes to Archaeology Dept
Sri Lanka Daily News, 13 June 2012

Diver and ornament fish exporter Ananda Pathirana collected numerous artifacts from the bottom of the sea for 30 years. He handed over the collection to National Heritage Minister Jagath Balasooriya, who handed it over to Archaeological Director General Senarath Dissanayaka.

“It is admirable to note that while treasure hunters hunt national heritages, Ananda Pathirana donates his collection to the Archaeology Department,” Minister Balasooriya said addressing a ceremony at the Archaeology Department.

The National Heritage Ministry will exhibit the artefacts donated by Pathirana at the proposed Ocean Museum in Trincomalee, scheduled to be inaugurated in August, National Heritage Ministry Senior Additional Secretary Vijitha Nanda Kumara said. Until the museum is open, the artefacts will be exhibited in the Archaeological Department, he said.

Full story here.