In a significant gesture, six colonial-era treasures, among them the renowned “Lewke’s Cannon,” adorned with gold, silver, and bronze, were handed over to Sri Lanka early on Wednesday. The official handover ceremony took place at the Bandaranaike International Airport and was conducted by the Ambassador of the Netherlands to Sri Lanka.
The artifacts, including Lewke’s Cannon or the Cannon of Kandy, a Gold Kastane (ceremonial sword), Singalese knife, a Silver Kastane, and Two guns, were formally accepted by Minister Vidura Wickramanayake.
This restitution follows Sri Lanka’s request for the return of these objects of cultural significance. The Netherlands, acknowledging the wrongful acquisition of these items during the colonial period, either through duress or looting, has acted in line with the commitment to rectify historical injustices.
