During a high level state visit in August, Dutch State Secretary Hon. Gunay Uslu formally
signed an ownership transfer of six Sri Lankan artefacts that were stolen by the Dutch. Now,
after more than 200 years abroad, six Sri Lankan artefacts will be physically returned to the
Sri Lanka during a two-day event at the Colombo National Museum on 5 and 6 December.
The restitution event will be open to the public and will comprise activities to educate young
and old on the long shared history of Sri Lanka and the Netherlands. The museum is also
planning to host public lectures by experts, guided tours, and a panel discussion. The area
surrounding the museum will have food stalls and there will be fun educational activities for
children.
The Dutch Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation Hon. Dewi van de Weerd will
lead a mission overseeing the handover on behalf of the Netherlands. With the restitution
the Netherlands aim to strengthen the bilateral ties with Sri Lanka, while also coming to
terms with its colonial past. As a part of this, ambassador Van de Weerd hopes to discuss
possibilities for further strengthening the cultural cooperation between the Netherlands
and Sri Lanka.
Governments, museums, universities and advisory committees in both
countries are already working together to return more Sri Lankan cultural heritage in the
future. Through these initiatives the government of the Netherlands aims to open a new
chapter in its relationship with Sri Lanka. A chapter with more focus on justice,
reconciliation and equality.