The Dutch government has agreed to return six valuable artifacts taken from Sri Lanka during the Dutch colonial period. This announcement was made by the Dutch Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Bonnie Horbach, during a recent discussion with the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senevi.
The meeting, held on the 18th at the Ministry, focused on strengthening the long-standing friendly relations between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands. Several key topics were discussed, including the donation of scanning machines to the National Archives Department and the awarding of scholarships to Sri Lankan students for studying the historical ties between the two nations.
The meeting was also attended by Krishen Mendis, Cultural Affairs Advisor to the Dutch Ambassador, Sujeewa Palliyaguruge, Additional Secretary (National Heritage) of the Ministry, Sanuja Kasthuriarachchi, Director General of the Department of National Museums, Thiwanka Athuraliya, Assistant Secretary for Europe and North America of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with other dignitaries.
This gesture of returning the artifacts is seen as a significant step towards preserving Sri Lanka’s heritage and further strengthening diplomatic and cultural ties between the two countries.
