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Sri Lanka, Portugal to form committee on return of artefacts
Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath and Portugal’s Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel agreed to establish a joint committee to conduct a preliminary study on the return of Sri Lankan artefacts currently held in Portugal.
During an official meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Rangel expressed support for the proposal made by Minister Herath regarding artefacts taken away during the Portuguese rule, stating that the proposal should be accepted and that a joint committee will be formed to study the matter. The discussion also focused on the implementation of the Cultural Agreement between Sri Lanka and Portugal, with plans to initiate further dialogue on its execution.
Minister Herath raised the issue of visa difficulties faced by Sri Lankans needing to travel to Portugal via New Delhi. Minister Rangel assured that he would look into developing a more convenient mechanism for Sri Lankan travellers.
The two Ministers also discussed strengthening cultural and human relations based on historical ties and agreed to develop programmes to enhance cooperation in investment, trade, tourism and renewable energy. Both sides emphasised establishing a political dialogue mechanism to advance bilateral relations and addressed regional and global issues of mutual importance. Continued collaboration within the United Nations was also reaffirmed.
In addition, Minister Herath expressed gratitude for Portugal’s emergency disaster relief assistance following Cyclone Ditwah and requested further support for reconstruction efforts in Sri Lanka.
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