Chief of Staff of the President, Sagala Ratnayaka said that a collection of antiquities taken from Sri Lanka during the Dutch colonial era and currently housed in Dutch museums will be repatriated to the country.
Following his recent visit to the National Museum in Colombo, Ratnayaka said that the artefacts will be deposited in the Museum during the first week of next month.
The decision to return these culturally significant items stems from bilateral discussions between the Dutch and Sri Lankan Governments, marking a collaborative effort to restore and preserve the nation’s historical heritage.
Leading the initiative on behalf of the Government, Minister of Cultural Affairs Vidura Wickramanayake played a pivotal role in coordinating the activities related to the repatriation.
These artefacts from the Dutch colonial period will find a secure home in specially designated, high-security, and humidity-controlled chambers within the Museum. The Dutch Government has agreed to hand over several artefacts in the first phase of the repatriation.
This historic event is expected to strengthen cultural ties between the Netherlands and Sri Lanka, fostering a deeper appreciation for the significance of these artefacts within the context of Sri Lanka’s rich history. The handing over ceremony will take place in the coming weeks, marking a momentous occasion for both nations as they collaborate in restoring and safeguarding Sri Lanka’s cultural legacy.
