The Hon. Vijitha Herath - Minister

¶ 01 Hon. Opposition Leader, I recall that in 2005, on the 500th year since the Portuguese came, there was a plan to hold a major celebration, supported even by the then Portuguese Ambassador and agreed to by then Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. As Minister for Cultural and National Heritage at that time, I clearly rejected that plan. Instead of celebrating 500 years, we proposed that Portugal provide reparations for artifacts looted, lives lost and property destroyed during their rule. Thus, that feast was averted. Subsequently, there was agreement to return artifacts taken from us. The Netherlands also agreed and on two occasions returned artifacts, and more will be returned. We proceed diplomatically, safeguarding sovereignty, to obtain restitution for looted artifacts and damages caused during colonial periods. The Opposition Leader’s proposal is important; we are already acting on it and are prepared, when necessary, to pursue economic reparations as well.