Welcome to our ninth episode! This time, we explore the field of maritime archaeology and the work involved in uncovering Sri Lanka’s submerged cultural heritage.

We speak with Rasika Muthucumarana, Senior Archaeology Officer at the Maritime Archaeology Unit of the Central Cultural Fund, about his journey into underwater archaeology and what it means to work at the intersection of history and the ocean. From his long-term work on the Godawaya shipwreck, the oldest known wreck in Sri Lanka and the Asia-Pacific region, to curating the Maritime Archaeology Museum in Galle, Rasika shares insights into some of the country’s most significant underwater discoveries.

We also talk about new projects on the horizon, the practicalities of excavation, and what advice he has for those curious about entering the field.

Welcome to our eighth episode! This time, we explore the work behind protecting Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems, both through research and management on the ground.

We sit down with Nishan Perera, marine biologist and co-founder of Blue Resources Trust, to discuss the realities of marine protected area (MPA) management and the role long-term research plays in supporting conservation efforts. Nishan shares insights from a decade of reef monitoring in Kayankerni, reflecting on how continuous fieldwork shapes our understanding of ecosystem changes, conservation planning, and the practical side of marine protection.

Through this conversation, we get a closer look at what marine conservation looks like beyond policy—rooted in day-to-day realities, persistence, and adapting to challenges as they arise.

Welcome to our seventh episode! This time, we're shining a light on abandoned, lost, and discarded fishing gear (ALDFG)—often referred to as "ghost gear"—and its impact on marine ecosystems.

We sit down with Hafsa Jamel, Programme Manager at the Lanka Environment Fund (LEF), who has been instrumental in the Mannar Region Systemic Solutions (MARESSOL) project. Hafsa shares insights into the challenges posed by ALDFG in the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Strait, the collaborative efforts underway to tackle this issue, and the importance of working with local communities and stakeholders to co-create sustainable, long-term solutions.

As a member of the Parrotfish Collective (PFC), Hafsa also breaks down the process of building content that’s not only visually engaging but rooted in science and local context. She shares how storytelling can make conservation more accessible and relevant to wider audiences.