Sri Lanka's National Archaeological Department has discovered the parts of 20 ancient vessels in the south of the country, an archaeologist said Thursday.

Sanath Karunarathne, an archaeologist with the National Archaeological Department said the ancient vessel parts were discovered as they were conducting a marine archaeological survey in the southern coastal belt.

Karunaratne said they have also been able to locate wreckage of a very ancient ship close to the historical Godavaya Port in the Hambantota District.

He said they found historical items including stone bench with an ancient inscription among the wreckage and it is believed that those ancient items are older than 2,000 years.

He said the marine archaeological survey is being carried out by the National Archaeological Department with the collaboration of the Central Cultural Fund and it would be concluded in few months.