Director General of the Colombo National Museum Sanuja Kasthuriarachchi details the historical importance of the recently returned Kandyan Era objects:
‘The artefacts now housed at the Colombo National Museum offer educational and knowledge-sharing opportunities for both local and global audiences.
Collaborative initiatives between Dutch and Sri Lankan institutions, focusing on the exchange of technical expertise and education, will further enhance this knowledge-sharing aspect.’
About the measures in place for ensuring their security and preservation: ‘The security of the returned artefacts is meticulously ensured through a comprehensive approach, combining manual inspections and cutting-edge technological measures utilising highly sensitive sensors.
Various entities collaborate to safeguard these precious items, including the police post, the dedicated museum security unit, curators, and the museum staff. This collective effort reflects a multi-layered security strategy, aimed at preventing any potential risks and ensuring the artifacts’ protection during their display and storage.’
About plans to reclaim other such artefacts for repatriation: ‘Plans for repatriation might involve continued collaboration with international institutions, diplomatic efforts, and the establishment of committees, similar to the Sri Lankan Advisory Committee on the Return of Artefacts.’
