Sri Lanka asked the Netherlands to return the artefacts after the Dutch government approved the restitution of historic objects in 2021.

The Dutch East India Company took it when it plundered the kingdom of Sri Lanka in 1765. Dutch officials say it's time to return objects that should never have been in the Netherlands to begin with.

The Netherlands returned formal ownership to Sri Lanka of six colonial-era treasures on Monday, including a more than 275-year-old cannon inlaid with gold, silver, bronze and rubies.

People view colonial-era artifacts that have been returned from the Netherlands, at the main Museum in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Dec. 5, 2023.

The Netherlands returned six artefacts including a cannon, a ceremonial sword and two guns taken from Sri Lanka more than 250 years ago on Tuesday, as part of efforts by the former colonial power ...

Sri Lanka is grateful to the government and the people of the Netherlands for returning the artefacts, said Buddhasasana Religious and Cultural Affairs Minister Vidura Wickramanayake.

People view colonial-era artefacts that have been returned from the Netherlands, at the main Museum in Colombo, Sri Lanka December 5, 2023. REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte ...

People view colonial-era artefacts that have been returned from the Netherlands, at the main Museum in Colombo, Sri Lanka, on Dec 5, 2023. (Photo: REUTERS/Dinuka Liyanawatte) ...