The project had been set in motion after taking a wide array of matters into consideration. Among them; prevention of harmful effects on marine animals, plants and corals due to natural and human activities, protection of the marine ecosystem, creation of an artificial fish breeding environment, provision of artificial substrates for coral reefing and offering a magnificent site for scuba divers were chief. This mega project was propelled by the Navy in collaboration with the Ministry of Fisheries and State Ministry of Ornamental Fish, Inland Fish, Prawn Farming, Fishery Harbour Development, Multiday Fishing Activities and Fish Exports.
Following the directives of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne and close supervision of Commander Southern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Priyantha Perera, naval personnel designed this spectacular Underwater Gallery which reflects of a 100m long and 40m wide model town beneath the surface.
Transformation of the underwater environment into a conducive setting for fish breeding will have the potential to be of great benefit in the future, and the Sri Lanka Navy is constantly ready to make its professional skills and capabilities available for such timely environmental projects.
Sri Lanka Navy was well supported by a number of state and private organizations in carrying out this major project. Meanwhile, the opening ceremony was also attended by Southern Province Governor, Hon. Willy Gamage, State Minister of Ornamental Fish, Inland Fish & Prawn Farming, Fishery Harbour Development, Multi day Fishing Activities and Fish Exports, Hon. Kanchana Wijesekera, government officials, Commander Southern Naval Area, Rear Admiral Priyantha Perera and a group of naval personnel.