The Cabinet of Ministers has approved the establishment of a committee to oversee efforts to secure the return of Sri Lankan cultural heritage currently held overseas, particularly artifacts taken from Sri Lanka during the colonial era.

The decision has been taken based on provisions under Articles 7 and 13 of the 1970 UNESCO Convention, which provide states with mechanisms to seek the return of cultural property that belongs to them and is held abroad.

Sri Lanka’s first phase of cultural heritage restitution was completed in 2023, following a proposal submitted by the then Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs. Six artifacts held at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, Netherlands, were officially returned to Sri Lanka.

The artifacts included Lewke Disawa’s cannon, two large cannons, two Kasthanes (swords) with their scabbards, and a knife with its scabbard.

The government has identified the need for a dedicated body to continue discussions with the Dutch authorities on the restitution process and provide advice to the government on the recovery of Sri Lankan cultural property held abroad.

Accordingly, Cabinet approval has been granted to establish the “Committee for the Restitution of Sri Lankan Cultural Heritage Held Abroad.”

The committee will be chaired by the Additional Secretary (Cultural Promotion and Foreign Affairs) of the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs and will advise the government on the restitution of artifacts taken from Sri Lanka, particularly during the colonial period.