Reparations for colonial era damage Vijitha Herath did not refer to UK, we regret the error

In reference to our story headlined ‘Govt to seek reparations from colonial powers’ in last Saturday’s Daily Mirror edition, we have inadvertently mentioned that Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath referred to the United Kingdom in his parliamentary remarks, whereas he did not. We apologise to Minister Vijitha Herath for the misquote. 

In his response to opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, who suggested that the government should seek reparations for colonial era damages as done by some African countries, Minister Herath said, “I can recall that there was a proposal in 2005 to celebrate the 500th anniversary of the arrival of the Portuguese in Sri Lanka. The Portuguese envoy, at that time, had put forward the proposal. Then Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe had agreed to it. Even I, as the then subject minister, declined to do it. Instead, I sought the return of artefacts stolen from Sri Lanka during the Portuguese era. Also, I asked for compensation for damages done to human lives and the economy at that time. There was an agreement to return the stolen artefacts. 

Later, the Netherlands also agreed to do. So far, on two occasions, the Dutch government had returned such items. It has agreed to return more in the future. Well in compliance with diplomatic norms and protocols, we are in the process of securing the return of stolen artefacts and obtaining reparations in view of damages to lives and properties during the colonial era. 

We will act to secure damages for economic losses. The opposition leader’s suggestion is important. In any event, we have already initiated action,” the Minister said.