The Dutch government last week announced that it will return 478 objects of cultural significance to Indonesia and to Sri Lanka.
It said the objects were wrongfully brought to the Netherlands during the colonial period, acquired under duress or by looting.
Under the plan, Sri Lanka is to receive six artifacts, including the cannon and guns currently in the collection of the National Museum of World Cultures and the Rijksmuseum.
The transfer of ownership to Sri Lanka will take place later this year.
Foreign Minister Ali Sabry said Sri Lanka is “very grateful” for the items’ return.
The cannon has been in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, the Netherlands’ national museum of art and history, since 1800.
The museum’s director, Taco Dibbits, called the decision to return the cannon and five other pieces “a positive step in cooperation with Sri Lanka.”. »
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