Lanka to seek compensation for colonial-era losses View(s):Sri Lanka will seek compensation from its former colonial rulers for loss of life and property as well as the return of artefacts stolen from the country, Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath told Parliament on Friday. This was to compensate for the losses and damage done to the country during centuries of colonial rule. The Foreign Minister noted that the governments of Portugal and the Netherlands had agreed to return artefacts stolen from Sri Lanka during the periods they ruled parts of the island. The Netherlands had already returned stolen artefacts on two occasions and has agreed to return the remainder in the future as well, he told Parliament. The government also intends to seek additional reparations through economic channels in the future, he said.

Source: Sunday Times February 07, 2026 20:10 UTC