The Kingdom of the Netherlands and Sri Lanka are set to mark a momentous event in history as Hon. Gunay Uslu, State Secretary for Culture and Media in the Netherlands, leads a prominent Dutch cultural delegation to Sri Lanka from August 27th to August 31st. The purpose of this extraordinary visit is to formalize the legal transfer of ownership of significant cultural artifacts, which are scheduled to be returned to Sri Lanka later this year.
Among the remarkable artifacts scheduled for return are the renowned Lewke’s cannon, two Gold kastanes (ceremonial swords), a Singalese knife, Silver kastane, and two historical guns. The symbolic gesture is a result of meticulous research into their provenance, which reveals that these items were taken as spoils during the 1765 siege of the Kandyan Palace by Dutch forces.
The official transfer of ownership will be executed at the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs of Sri Lanka on Monday, August 28th, 2023. The visit is also an opportunity for the Dutch State Secretary to meet with senior officials of the Sri Lankan government, strengthening the cultural ties between the two nations.
To commemorate this historic occasion, a public lecture by the Dutch State Secretary is scheduled for August 29th at 4 pm. The lecture will be held at the Auditorium of the Department of National Archives of Sri Lanka, and attendance is available through pre-registration only.
The return of these cultural artifacts signifies the Netherlands’ commitment to rectifying historical injustices stemming from their colonial past. The Dutch government’s approval in 2021 of the policy for the return of cultural heritage objects reflects a deeper acknowledgment of the impact of colonialism on indigenous populations. To facilitate this return, the Advisory Committee on the Return of Cultural Objects from Colonial Context was established in December 2022.
The committee, chaired by Lilian Gonçalves-Ho Kang You, assessed and facilitated the repatriation of colonial objects. As per the committee’s recommendation, six culturally significant objects will be returned to Sri Lanka, aiming to mend historical wounds and foster international cooperation.
The visiting delegation comprises esteemed members, including Ms. Barbera Wolfensberger, Director General Culture and Media in the Netherlands, Ms. Lilian Gonçalves-Ho Kang You (Chairperson Dutch Colonial Collections Committee), and Dr. Alicia Schrikker (Committee Member). Their presence underscores the collaborative commitment of both nations to acknowledge and reconcile their shared history.
The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Sri Lanka continues its efforts to build strong, equal, and mutually beneficial partnerships that contribute to a better future for all. By collaborating in areas such as culture, economics, politics, and beyond, the Dutch embassy aims to nurture robust relations based on justice, equality, and shared growth.
Why return to a Religious Ministry? They shoukd be returned to the Ministry of Foreign affairs and the Finance Ministry for valuation and then be restored to our Museum.
These will now be robbed and be sitting in some Politicos house why else give it to a Ministry which has no accountability in relation to our Countrys assets and artefacts.