Portugal Agrees to Joint Committee on Returning Sri Lanka’s Historical Artefacts

COLOMBO (News 1st); Portugal has agreed to establish a joint committee to conduct preliminary studies on returning Sri Lanka’s historical and culturally valuable artefacts currently held in Portugal.

The commitment was announced by Portuguese Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel during an official meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Responding to Minister Herath’s proposal on the restitution of artefacts taken from Sri Lanka during the period of Portuguese rule, Minister Rangel said the request was reasonable and confirmed his agreement to set up a joint committee to initiate the required study.

Both Ministers also noted the importance of activating the existing cultural agreement between the two countries to begin formal discussions on the matter.

Minister Herath also raised concerns over difficulties faced by Sri Lankans who are required to travel to New Delhi to obtain visas for Portugal. He proposed creating a more convenient mechanism to ease this process. Minister Rangel pledged to examine the issue.

The meeting further focused on strengthening cultural and people‑to‑people ties, taking into account the longstanding historical relationship between the two countries. The Ministers discussed expanding cooperation in investment, trade and tourism, including renewable energy, and agreed to develop a structured work plan to advance these areas.

Both sides emphasised the importance of initiating a political dialogue mechanism to strengthen engagement across all sectors. They also held discussions on regional and global matters of mutual significance, agreeing to maintain ongoing cooperation at the United Nations.

During the talks, Minister Herath expressed Sri Lanka’s gratitude for the support extended by Portugal following the recent Ditwah cyclone, particularly in providing emergency relief. He noted that Sri Lanka looks forward to continued assistance from Portugal for reconstruction efforts.