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Search operation underway after Baltimore bridge collapse

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A huge search operation is under way for at least seven people after a major bridge in the US city of Baltimore has collapsed into the Patapsco River after a container ship crashed into it today (March 26).

According to reports, two people have been pulled from the water.

The bridge snapped and plunged into the water at around 01:30 ET (05:30 GMT) along with vehicles and people.

According to maritime data, the container ship involved appears to be a Singapore-flagged vessel named Dali. It had departed the port in Baltimore at around 1 a.m. and was headed for the Sri Lankan capital Colombo, where it was due to arrive in late April.

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US ambassador dives to Godawaya shipwreck  (Video)

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The U.S. Embassy in Colombo, in partnership with the Central Cultural Fund’s Maritime Archaeology Unit, has undertaken a significant step in preserving Sri Lanka’s rich maritime history through the conservation and documentation of the Godawaya Shipwreck, the oldest known shipwreck in the Asia-Pacific region. 

This initiative, funded by the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, underscores the enduring partnership between the United States and Sri Lanka in cultural preservation and archaeological research. 
U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, along with Heidi Hattenbach, Counselor for Public Affairs at the U.S. Embassy, and Rasika Muthucumarana, Senior Archeology Officer of the Central Cultural Fund’s Maritime Archaeology Unit, led an inspection dive to the ancient Godawaya shipwreck off the coast of Hambantota. This venture is part of a broader effort supported by the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, which began funding the project in 2022 to study and safeguard the submerged cultural treasure dating back to the 2nd Century B.C. 

Ambassador Chung expressed her awe and the importance of the mission, stating, “Witnessing the Godawaya shipwreck firsthand at 33 meters below the surfaces of the ocean was a breathtaking experience, shedding light on Sri Lanka’s significant history as a pivotal maritime hub. The United States is proud to support this endeavor, enhancing the understanding of Sri Lanka’s historical role in global maritime trade and ensuring the preservation of its rich cultural legacy for future generations.” 

Adding to the Ambassador’s sentiments, Counselor for Public Affairs Heidi Hattenbach highlighted the project’s unique value, “We are honored to partner with the Maritime Archeology Unit on the study and preservation of this important site, a partnership that has supported skilled Sri Lankan divers and researchers to really dive deep into an important avenue of Sri Lanka’s maritime history.  Over the coming months, their dedicated efforts will deepen the understanding and accessibility of Sri Lanka’s underwater cultural heritage, paving the way for future archaeological discoveries and conservation initiatives.” 

Senior Archeology Officer Rasika Muthucumarana, reflecting on the technical aspects and the depth of the project, added, “Collaborating with the U.S. Embassy on this Godawaya shipwreck excavation project has been an honor. While the depths of our explorations present unique challenges, the shared commitment to unveiling the truths and preserving the history of ancient maritime routes and trade practices creates a strong bond between our teams. This partnership is a model for future cultural preservation endeavors.”   

Located in Galle, the Maritime Archaeology Unit (MAU) is dedicated to the preservation and exploration of Sri Lanka’s rich underwater cultural heritage, conducting extensive research, and applying advanced conservation techniques.  The Godawaya shipwreck, the oldest known shipwreck in the Indian Ocean and in the Asia-Pacific Region, is one of the MAU’s most significant ongoing projects.  Initial research efforts have unveiled a treasure trove of information, revealing that the ship was laden with a diverse cargo, including potential ingots of iron and glass, alongside finished stone querns and ceramic bowls. Through funding support of the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, the MAU has been able to safeguard nearly 200 artifacts unearthed from the wreck, ranging from clay pottery to metal objects and intricate carnelian beads. The U.S. funding has been instrumental in facilitating the initial stages of site preparation and enabling the unit to employ 3D modeling techniques for comprehensive site surveying. As the project progresses, the MAU is on track to develop a complete 3D model of the entire shipwreck site, a milestone that promises to revolutionize the field of maritime archaeology and cultural preservation in Sri Lanka.  The artifacts removed from the shipwreck will be on display in Colombo at the end of the year, and then will eventually be housed in a permanent exhibit at the Maritime Archaeology Museum in Galle for Sri Lankans and tourists to visit, view, and learn about the country’s rich history.  The AFCP will also fund an education program that will bring opportunities to learn from the Godawaya project to schools and students close to the dive site.

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9 agreements signed on China – SL cooperation

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The signing of nine new agreements between China and Sri Lanka took place yesterday (March 26) under the patronage of Chinese Prime Minister Li Qiang and Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena.

The Prime Minister today paid floral tributes to the martyred war heroes at the Monument to the People’s Heroes at Tiananmen Square, and after receiving the guard of honour from the Chinese military, bilateral discussions were commenced. Later, in the bilateral talks held in the Great Hall in Beijing, more attention was paid to increasing overall cooperation in the social, cultural, educational, and agricultural sectors in addition to economic cooperation.

The Prime Ministers of the two countries confirmed that a new chapter in the long-term friendship and cooperation between Sri Lanka and China will begin through the nine memoranda of understanding signed between the two countries.

Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake signed the agreements on behalf of Sri Lanka, and the secretaries of nine ministries signed on behalf of China.

A group including Ministers of the People’s Republic of China, Sri Lankan State Ministers Shehan Semasinghe and Ashoka Priyantha, and MP Yadamini Gunawardena participated in this event.

(Prime Minister’s Media)

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Sri Lankan PM commences official visit to China (Video)

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Prime Minister of Sri Lanka – Dinesh Gunawardena arrived in Beijing earlier today (March 25) for a six-day official visit to China at the invitation of Chinese Premier Li Qiang. 

He was received by Chinese Vice Foreign Minister – Sun Weidong and officials of the Sri Lankan embassy in Beijing including and Acting Ambassador K.K. Yoganandan.

According to the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, President Xi Jinping will meet with PM Gunawardena. The visiting Sri Lankan PM will also hold talks with his Chinese counterpart as well as with Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee.

During PM Gunawardena’s visit, the leaders will have an in-depth exchange of views on continuing China-Sri Lanka traditional friendship, deepening political mutual trust, expanding practical cooperation, and on international and regional issues of common interest, Chinese state media reports.

The Prime Minister will be the Chief Guest at China’s premier annual international conference in Boao in Hainan. This year’s Boao forum, which will be held under the theme – ’Asia and the World: Common Challenges, Shared Responsibilities’, will be attended by several heads of state and top-level foreign delegates.

He was accompanied by State Ministers Shehan Semasinghe and Ashoka Priyantha, MP Yadamini Gunawardena, Chinese Ambassador in Sri Lanka – Qi Zhenhong, Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake and senior officials.

According to the Prime Minister’s media, the PM is also scheduled to visit China Harbour Headquarters, Huawei, Zhongguancun Environmental Protection Park, National Satellite Meteorological Centre in Beijing and Academy of Tropical Sciences in Hainan. In Shanghai, he will visit Alipay, CTripp, Dilmah Tea and Universal Energy in addition to meetings with Shanghai officials.

(Video footage : CCTV +)

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