Senaka Weeraratna

The Netherlands occupied parts of Ceylon from 1658 – 1796 as a Dutch Colony. Its legacy as an occupying power is a mixed bag. Ceylon was administered by the Dutch from Batavia (Indonesia), until the British replaced the Dutch in 1796. As a Colonial power the Dutch vandalized the treasures of the native Sinhala people, including the Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth) in Kandy, which was plundered by the Dutch led by the Dutch Governor Baron van Eck. A notable artifact seized was the ornate “Cannon of Kandy,” which was later sent to the Netherlands as a trophy (and returned to Sri Lanka in 2023). The Sinhalese fought and retook Kandy forcing the Dutch to retreat. Van Eck returned to Colombo but fell ill with malaria. He died on April 1, 1765, while still in office at the age of 46 years. 

A large number of artifacts looted from Ceylon have been exhibited in famous Dutch Museums such as the RijksMuseum (for over 250 years) with not one cent given to Sri Lanka from the revenue earned from the visitors to these Museums. Sri Lanka has proposed to the Government of Netherlands to consider sharing the profits ( Revenue) earned from the time of display (250 years back) to date. Sri Lanka is a financially struggling country most of the time. The law of Unjust Enrichment is a part of Roman Dutch Law which is still extant in Sri Lanka ( though not in the Netherlands). Whatever the name of the law, ‘ Fair play’ is required here in the interest of Justice. 

An Apology, Reparation, Repatriation of Stolen Artifacts, Atonement, Catharsis, and the like still figure in the negotiations for a Restitutio in integrum (or ad integrum)( Latin legal term meaning “restoration to original condition) between the Western colonial powers and the former colonies including Sri Lanka.

Senaka Weeraratna