Hyderabad: Two palaces have been discovered underwater in the Indian Ocean near Kirindi, at the southern part of the country say Sri Lankan archeologists.
Preliminary reports submitted by the archeologists suggest that the structures were built 2,500 to 3,500 years ago during the era of King Ravana.
Director of Destinations and Social Responsibility under the Ministry of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs of Sri Lanka, Mr Indrajith De Silva said that that the government strongly believed the palaces under sea were constructed during the era of Ravana.
“But we are waiting for the final report by archeologists. The palaces were discovered near Kirindi and between two lighthouses that were built on tiny islands called Kuda Ravana Kotwa and Maha Ravana Reef”, he said.
Mr De Silva said that the government is waiting for the final report. “It may take time for archeologists to study the structures. It is very difficult to reach to them. Once the government comes to the conclusion that the palaces belonged to the Ramayana era, we will release photographs and videos to the world”, he said.
He said that since Sri Lanka has become a destination for adventure and water sports tourism, the government would develop the newly discovered palaces as tourist spots. “Currently we have whale and dolphin water sports and surfing. We will concentrate on the palaces for under water tourism”, he added.
He said that the two islands where lighthouses were constructed during the British rule were called as Kuda Ravana Kotwa (fort of Ravana) and Maha Ravana Reef (palace of Ravana) but there were no palaces or forts on the islands. “Now we believe that King Ravana might have ruled from these palaces”, he said.
Kuda Ravana lighthouse is located 14 kilometers away from the Yala National Park and was developed in 1878. The Maha Ravana lighthouse was also built during the British rule. Both the lighthouses withstood the force of the tsunami in 2004 with only some damage which was later repaired with assistance from the UK lighthouse authorities.
