Sri Lanka Continues Fight To Reclaim Stolen History

COLOMBO (News 1st); Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath told Parliament that Sri Lanka continues to pursue the return of cultural artefacts and compensation for the damages suffered during periods of foreign occupation.

Recalling events from 2005, the Minister said that a large celebration had been planned by the then-government to mark 500 years since the arrival of the Portuguese in Sri Lanka. At the time, the Portuguese Ambassador had proposed commemorating the milestone, and the then-Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had already expressed agreement.

However, Herath, who served as the Minister responsible for cultural and national heritage during that period, said he firmly rejected the proposal. Instead of celebrating 500 years of foreign domination, he insisted that Sri Lanka demand the return of cultural treasures removed during colonial rule, as well as compensation for the destruction and loss of life suffered under Portuguese occupation.

He added that the rejection of the planned celebration successfully prevented the commemorative event from taking place. 

Following Sri Lanka’s firm stance, the Portuguese government agreed to return stolen artefacts. Later, he said, the Government of the Netherlands also expressed willingness to return cultural property taken during Dutch rule, and has already returned artefacts on two separate occasions. 

More items remain to be handed back, with both governments agreeing in principle to continue the process.

Herath stressed that Sri Lanka’s approach has always been to systematically seeking restitution for cultural property taken during colonial eras, as well as compensation for destroyed heritage and lives lost.

He also acknowledged the point raised by the Leader of the Opposition during the parliament debate, saying it was an important matter and that the government is already taking action. He affirmed that Sri Lanka stands ready to intervene, even for economic compensation, when necessary.