Six treasures looted by the Dutch, returned to Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Six colonial-era treasures, including a cannon inlaid with gold, silver, and bronze, known as "Lewke's cannon," that were looted by the Dutch, and handed over to Sri Lanka, early on Wednesday (29) morning.

The official handover was made by the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Sri Lanka at the Bandaranaike International Airport. 

The artefacts were accepted by Minister Vidura Wickramanayake. 

The artefacts are Lewke’s canon or the Cannon of Kandy, a Gold kastane or ceremonial sword, Singalese knive, a Silver kastane, and Two guns.

At the request of Sri Lanka, the Netherlands returned the six objects of cultural significance, and the Dutch government had noted that the objects were wrongfully brought to the Netherlands during the colonial period, acquired under duress or by looting.