Govt. to seek reparations from colonial powers

• Mr Premadasa noted that Sri Lanka should take inspiration from several African nations
• We intend to request reparations from the UK govt. for the damages caused during the colonial period
• Reparations to cover loss of lives, destruction of property and theft of historical artefacts  
• Several African countries are moving to have colonial crimes recognised and criminalised
• However, this will be done while maintaining diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana   

The government is planning to seek reparations from the United Kingdom, the Netherlands and Portugal for damages caused during the colonial period, including the destruction of property, loss of lives, and the theft of artefacts, Minister of Foreign Affairs Vijitha Herath told Parliament yesterday.    The Minister made this statement in response to a question raised by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa.   

“We intend to request reparations from the UK government for the damages caused during the colonial period. However, this will be done while maintaining diplomatic relations with the United Kingdom. The matter will be handled in a diligent and responsible manner,” Minister Herath said.   

Raising the issue, Mr Premadasa noted that Sri Lanka should take inspiration from several African nations that are planning to seek reparations fqrom former colonial powers.   

“Several African countries are moving to have colonial crimes recognised and criminalised, and to seek reparations. At a conference held last year in Algiers, the African Union decided to call for justice and reparations for the victims of colonialism,” he said.   

Mr Premadasa added that the economic cost of colonialism in Africa is believed to be staggering, with estimates running into trillions of dollars.