Sri Lanka has made history by constructing its first-ever underwater museum in Galle, a city on the southwest coast. The main goal of this unique museum is to promote the regeneration of corrals and fresh breeding.
It also aims to provide the Sri Lanka tourism sector with a much-needed boost following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The underwater museum was built at a depth of 15.2 meters, meaning anyone from experienced divers to scuba can be a part of this once in a lifetime sightseeing experience, according to xinhuanet.com
The museum was built by the Sri Lanka Navy and was officially opened by the Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Piyal De Silva in a unique underwater ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Sri Lanka’s has built its first-ever underwater museum. The museum was built by the country’s Navy and is intended to be a popular new attraction when Sri Lanka reopens for tourism on August 1. pic.twitter.com/xSXIJkKtia
— NowThis (@nowthisnews) June 22, 2020
‘This Underwater museum is dedicated to all the Sri Lanka Navy divers who sacrificed their lives during the line of duty’, read one of the underwater monuments.
The initial plans for the museum involved using old train compartments and fishing vessels to house the exhibits along with promoting marine life, however, it was not possible to source these items in time for the opening. Instead, the Navy decided to use statues made from discarded steel and concrete found by navy personal to decorate the museum.
‘It is very encouraging to see that the fish breeding has already started at this underwater museum site. By the next season, it is certain that tourists will be able to dive in this area and the surrounding hotels will be able to add this site to their list of tourist attraction,’ said the Sri Lanka Navy in a statement.
Take a look at what went into constructing the museum below:
Image Credit: Screenshot from YouTube video
