Sri Lanka has requested the return of six more historical artefacts from the Netherlands under the second phase of its cultural restitution process, as the two countries mark 75 years of diplomatic relations.
Deputy Minister Anil Jayantha Fernando made the disclosure while addressing the National Day Reception of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Colombo on Thursday (22).
Sri Lanka previously secured the return of six historical artefacts from the Rijksmuseum in December 2023 following joint research into their provenance.
The artefacts returned included a golden kasthana, a silver kasthana, a golden knife, two Mahathuwakku (wall guns) and Lewke Disave’s cannon. The items originated from the Kandyan Kingdom and were acquired during the colonial period.
Fernando said the return of the artefacts demonstrated the two countries’ shared commitment to mutual respect, reconciliation and the preservation of cultural heritage.
He also highlighted growing tourism ties, noting that Sri Lanka welcomed 2,362,521 international tourists in 2025, a 15.1% increase from the previous year. The Netherlands ranked ninth among Sri Lanka’s tourism markets, with 64,164 Dutch tourists visiting the country.
Referring to the longstanding ties between the two countries, Fernando said their relationship dated back more than four centuries, while formal diplomatic relations were established in 1951.
Bilateral cooperation has since expanded to areas including trade, investment, development, education, tourism, culture and maritime affairs.
He identified sustainable maritime development, ocean governance, maritime security, port development and the blue economy as key areas for future cooperation.
The Netherlands has also supported Sri Lanka in agriculture, fisheries, rural development, water supply, healthcare, disaster management and food security.
Fernando said Sri Lanka’s designation as a country of strategic focus under the Netherlands’ International Cultural Policy for 2025–2028 would further strengthen cultural cooperation.
He also highlighted the Second Round of Political Consultations held in The Hague in October 2025 and discussions between the two countries’ Foreign Ministers as important steps towards deepening bilateral relations.
Fernando reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Netherlands and exploring new avenues of cooperation as the two countries celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations.