The Embassy of Sri Lanka in The Hague facilitated a visit by a delegation of Sri Lankan cocopeat companies to the Netherlands’ RHP Knowledge Centre on 12 June 2026, aimed at strengthening the industry’s global competitiveness. 

Representatives from NB Coir, Marisha Coco Products, Green Space International, Eco Films, and Cocopeat Lanka engaged with RHP officials to gain insights into European quality standards, certification systems, and innovations in horticulture substrates, while also exploring opportunities for closer collaboration and market access. 

According to the  Embassy of Sri Lanka in The Hague, during the visit organized by the Embassy, the delegation also had a discussion with Operational Director of RHP, Marco Zevenhoven whose practical recommendations and observations provided valuable insights into further enhancing product quality and strengthening Sri Lanka’s position in the global substrate industry. 

The company representatives were also given a tour of the RHP laboratory, enabling them to gain firsthand knowledge of the testing and quality assurance processes applied to growing media products.

The visit provided an excellent opportunity for the participating companies to deepen their understanding of the European market, explore avenues for value addition, and learn more about the certification requirements that support access to international markets. 

The visit also facilitated closer engagement between Sri Lankan producers and RHP, particularly for companies interested in obtaining RHP certification for their products. The insights gained during the visit are expected to contribute to the continued development and competitiveness of Sri Lanka’s cocopeat and coir industry in global markets.

Established in 1963, RHP is the leading European knowledge centre for growing media and substrates. The organization manages and develops the RHP and RAG quality marks for raw materials and substrates used in professional horticulture, landscaping, and consumer markets. 

Many cocopeat products entering the European market, particularly the Netherlands, are required to meet RHP certification standards. RHP has also played a pioneering role in the development of buffering treatment techniques that help address plant nutrition challenges and improve the performance of coir. (Newswire)

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Diplomatic ties between the two countries were officially established on Nov. 23, 1951.

To commemorate the milestone, Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, Rekha Gunasekera, and the Netherlands’ Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Wiebe de Boer, jointly launched an official anniversary logo in a virtual ceremony.

The event was organized by the Embassy of Sri Lanka in The Hague. (Newswire)

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The Second Round of political consultations between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands took place in The Hague, on Wednesday (29), during which both countries reaffirmed their commitment to the bilateral relationship and reviewed the full spectrum of the ongoing cooperation. 

The Dutch delegation was led by the Director of the Asia and Oceania Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, Dominique Kuhling, while the Sri Lankan delegation was led by the Director-General of the Europe & North America Division of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sugeeshwara Gunaratna.

According to the Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry, the meeting was held in a spirit of the longstanding friendship, mutual respect and cooperation, and shared values. Whilst reaffirming the commitment to the bilateral relationship, both delegations reviewed the full spectrum of the ongoing cooperation and emphasized the need for a renewed focus, amongst others, on maritime and cultural cooperation, as both countries look ahead to celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations in 2026. Both sides discussed ways and means of marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in a fitting manner.

The two delegations welcomed the ongoing cultural collaboration as a cornerstone of the relationship. The Sri Lanka side appreciated the commitment of the Netherlands to addressing historical legacies through the respectful return of items of cultural heritage. The ongoing Dutch-Sri Lanka collaboration between the National Archives of the Netherlands and the National Archives of Sri Lanka to conserve, restore, and digitize the archives currently deposited at the Sri Lanka Archives was welcomed by both sides.

The two sides reviewed the current level of trade, investment, and tourism ties between the two countries and explored new opportunities for economic cooperation emphasizing the need to explore greater collaboration between the relevant trade chambers. The Sri Lankan side noted that currently, the Netherlands is among the top 10 source markets for tourism and outlined the attractions Sri Lanka offers as a tourist destination, as well as the opportunities available for investment in tourism infrastructure.

Discussions emphasized the importance of collaboration in areas such as port development and maritime safety, highlighting the long-term technical and commercial partnerships that the Sri Lanka Ports Authority has maintained with Dutch institutions.

The two sides also discussed regional and international developments and cooperation at multilateral institutions, as well as possible support for each other’s candidacies within the United Nations system. Further, both sides underscored their commitment to maintaining regional stability and maritime security through, amongst others, initiatives such as BIMSTEC and IORA.

The meeting reaffirmed the importance of continued dialogue between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands, including periodical consultations. Both sides agreed to convene the next meeting at a mutually convenient time to assess progress and further strengthen the partnership.

The Sri Lanka delegation comprised Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Netherlands, Rekha Gunasekera, Director-General of the National Archives of Sri Lanka, Dr.Nadeera Rupesinghe, First Secretary of the Sri Lanka Embassy in The Hague, Sashiprabha Wijeratne, and Assistant Director of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism of Sri Lanka, Kaumadie Wijesinghe.

The Netherlands delegation comprised the Policy Coordinator for Cultural Development of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, two Sri Lanka Desk Officers of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands and a Consular Officer from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands. (Newswire)

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The Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Netherlands, together with the Siddhalepa Ayurveda Resorts & Spa, has organized a tourism promotional event, with a special focus on the Sri Lankan indigenous medical system. 

According to the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Netherlands, the event was held at the Embassy premises on 22 October 2024. 

Dutch travel agents, tour operators and tourism-related media attended the event and were educated on the benefits of Sri Lankan Ayurveda and leisure/health treatments available in the sector.

Addressing the gathering, the Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Netherlands, Rekha Gunasekera expressed her gratitude to the attendees and industry representatives, for their support in promoting Sri Lanka as a premier holiday destination among Dutch travellers. 

She also expressed willingness to work closely with them to further increase the number of tourist arrivals from the Netherlands to Sri Lanka. She further stated that the number of Dutch tourists visiting Sri Lanka this year has already surpassed last year’s records and that the Netherlands is among the top 10 tourist-sourcing markets for Sri Lanka. 

Meanwhile, the Senior Marketing Manager of Siddhalepa Ayurveda Resort & Spa, Ushan Edirisinghe delivered a presentation on the history of Sri Lankan Ayurveda and Siddhalepa Ayurveda Resorts & Spa as well as its products. 

The participants were provided with an opportunity to sample Siddhalepa products and were treated to a variety of healthy Sri Lankan food items. A raffle was also drawn and the lucky winner was presented with a gift voucher for a full board stay at Siddhalepa Ayurveda Resort & Spa for one week. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka and the Netherlands have held a discussion focused on the initiation of the process to repatriate the second batch of colonial artefacts that belong to Sri Lanka. 

The Ambassador of Sri Lanka to the Netherlands Rekha Gunasekera met with Minister of Education, Culture, and Science of the Netherlands Eppo Bruins, at the Ministry of Education, Culture, and Science in The Hague on 30 September 2024.

According to the Sri Lankan Embassy in the Netherlands, Ambassador Gunasekera handed over to Minister Bruins the list of colonial artefacts identified by Sri Lanka to be sent back in the second phase of repatriation. 

She referred to the first batch of repatriated artefacts that are now housed at the Colombo National Museum, and informed Minister Bruins that the collection attracts many visitors, including Dutch tourists. The Ambassador expressed her willingness to continue the excellent cooperation between the two countries in facilitating the return of colonial artefacts and stated that this process signifies the goodwill between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands, and the commitment to further strengthen cultural diplomacy.

Minister Bruins expressed his commitment to the initiative to return colonial artefacts and stated that these objects should never have been in the Netherlands. The return of identified colonial artefacts to their rightful home is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a quintessence of the Dutch commitment to try and rectify the past and foster a future of understanding and collaboration. The Minister assured that the list would be submitted to the Advisory Committee on the Return of Cultural Objects from Colonial Context for perusal.

The Netherlands returned six colonial artefacts to Sri Lanka including the Lewke Canon, a Golden Royal Kasthane, a Royal Silver Kasthane, a Golden Royal Knife and two Wall Guns in December 2023. (Newswire)

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Six priceless Kandyan artefacts seized during the Dutch colonial occupation of Sri Lanka and returned from the Netherlands will be on public display at the Colombo National Museum from today (05) until further notice.

The exhibits include golden and silver kasthãné (ceremonial swords), two maha thuwakku (wall guns), and Lewke Disave’s cannon, which were originally taken as war booty by the Dutch East India Company in 1765, during the siege of the Palace of Kandy.

According to the President’s Media Division (PMD), a commemorative postage stamp issued during the event serves as a symbolic marker, celebrating the milestone in international relations and provenance research. 

The event took place at the National Museum today, presided over by the Minister of Buddha Sasana and Cultural Affairs, Vidura Wickramanayake, and the President’s Senior Adviser on National Security and Chief of Presidential Staff, Sagala Ratnayaka. 

The event marks a significant step in cultural collaboration between the two nations.

Minister of State for Media, Shantha Bandara, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Sri Lanka, Bonnie Horbach, the Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dewi van de Weerd, Ambassador of Egypt in Sri Lanka Maged Mosleh, the Secretary to the Ministry of Buddha Sasana and Cultural Affairs, Somaratne Vidanapathirana, the Director General of the National Museum Department, Sajani Kasturiarachchi, and several distinguished officials from both the Netherlands and Sri Lanka participated in the event. (NewsWire)

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The six (06) Sri Lankan artefacts that were in possession of the Netherlands have been physically returned to Sri Lanka after over 200 years abroad.

The artefacts of Sri Lankan origin were accepted by the Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Vidura Wickremanayake at the Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake today. 

The Netherlands Embassy in Sri Lanka said the six Sri Lankan artefacts will be on display during a two-day event at the Colombo National Museum on 5 and 6 December. 

The restitution event will be open to the public and will comprise activities to educate young and old on the long-shared history of Sri Lanka and the Netherlands, it added. 

The famous Lewke’s canon, two Gold kastanes (ceremonial sword), Singalese knive, Silver kastane and two guns are among the six artefacts that have been returned to Sri Lanka.

The physical handover comes after a high-level state visit in August, during which Dutch State Secretary Gunay Uslu formally signed an ownership transfer of the six Sri Lankan artefacts that were stolen by the Dutch. (NewsWire)

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Six Sri Lankan artefacts will be physically returned to Sri Lanka by the Netherlands during a two-day event at the Colombo National Museum.

Issuing a statement, the Netherlands Embassy in Colombo said during a high-level state visit in August, Dutch State Secretary Gunay Uslu formally signed an ownership transfer of six Sri Lankan artefacts that were stolen by the Dutch. 

The Embassy further said that now, after more than 200 years abroad, six Sri Lankan artefacts will be physically returned to Sri Lanka during a two-day event at the Colombo National Museum on 5 and 6 December. 

The restitution event will be open to the public and will comprise activities to educate young and old on the long-shared history of Sri Lanka and the Netherlands. 

The museum is also planning to host public lectures by experts, guided tours, and a panel discussion. The area surrounding the museum will have food stalls and there will be fun educational activities for children. 

The Embassy said the Dutch Ambassador for International Cultural Cooperation Dewi van de Weerd will lead a mission overseeing the handover on behalf of the Netherlands. 

With the restitution, the Netherlands aim to strengthen the bilateral ties with Sri Lanka, while also coming to terms with its colonial past. As a part of this, Ambassador Van de Weerd hopes to discuss possibilities for further strengthening the cultural cooperation between the Netherlands and Sri Lanka. 

Governments, museums, universities and advisory committees in both countries are already working together to return more Sri Lankan cultural heritage in the future, it further said. 

The Netherlands Embassy added that through these initiatives, the government of the Netherlands aims to open a new chapter in its relationship with Sri Lanka, a chapter with more focus on justice, reconciliation and equality. (NewsWire)

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Sri Lanka and the Netherlands have a shared past and it will help to build together a common future with close cooperation in the fields of museums, collection management, research and exchange of knowledge and expertise, Dutch State Secretary for Culture and Media Gunay Uslu said.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Gunay Uslu made the statement when she called on Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena at the Temple Trees today (Aug. 29). 

The visiting Dutch Minister and Cultural Minister Vidura Wickremanayake yesterday (Aug. 28) signed a Transfer Acknowledge Agreement to transfer valuable artefacts taken from Sri Lanka during the Dutch rule two and a half centuries ago. 

The objects include the famous cannon of freedom fighter Lewke Disawe, two gold kastanes (ceremonial sword), Sinhalese knives, silver kastane, and two guns.

Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena thanked the visiting Dutch Minister for the transfer of artefacts and said the two countries should undertake collaboration on research on Dutch architecture, canal systems, forts and other monuments for prosperity.

Referring to the cannon of Lewke Disawe, the Prime Minister said that he was happy that Sri Lanka would get back this valuable treasure and told the Dutch delegation that Lewke was a place close to his home town Sithawaka and the entire country pay homage to the National Hero Lewke Disawa.

Minister Gunay Uslu said a grant will be extended by the Netherlands to facilitate the work undertaken by the Ministry of Culture and the Department of National Museums to preserve the artefacts in a newly renovated chamber at the National Museum.

During the meeting, she also presented an ancient map of Ceylon by Baltus Jaquaez Van Lier drawn in 1751 to Prime Minister Gunawardena.

Ambassador of Netherlands Bonnie Horbach, Director General, Culture and Media in the Netherlands Barbera Wolfensberger, Chairperson, Dutch Colonial Collections Committee Lilian Gonçalves-Ho Kang You and Committee Member Dr. Alicia Schrikker, MP Yadamini Gunawardena and Secretary to the Prime Minister Anura Dissanayake were also present on this occasion. (NewsWire)

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A Dutch cultural delegation will be visiting Sri Lanka next week to sign a legal document to transfer cultural artefacts that will be returned to Sri Lanka later this year. 

The delegation led by the Netherlands Culture and Media State Secretary Gunay Uslu, will be visiting Sri Lanka from August 27 to 31.

The State Secretary is making a special visit to Sri Lanka to sign the legal document transferring the ownership of the cultural artefacts that will be returned to Sri Lanka. 

The legal transfer of ownership will be signed at the Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Ministry on Monday (28).

The famous Lewke’s canon, two Gold kastanes (ceremonial sword), Singalese knive, Silver kastane and two guns are among the artefacts that will be returned to Sri Lanka.

The visiting State Secretary is expected to meet with the senior officials of the Sri Lankan Government to mark this historic moment. The delegation will visit a few places with religious and Dutch historic values in Sri Lanka. (NewsWire)

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Six artifacts of Sri Lankan origin are to be returned to Sri Lanka from the Netherlands after more than two centuries, the Ministry of Buddhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs stated. 

Issuing a statement, the ministry stated that in a collaborative international provenance research which was concluded in April 2022, six Sri Lankan objects from the Rijksmuseum collection in the Netherlands were confirmed to be of Lankan origin.

“A golden and a silver kasthane or sabre, a golden knife, two maha thuwakku or wall guns, and Lewke Disave’s cannon-all belonging to the Kandyan Kingdom are among the artifacts,” the Ministry said. 

The Ministry of Buddhasasana stated that the artifacts were confirmed as war booty obtained by the Dutch East India Company during the siege of the palace of Kandy in 1765. 

Full statement: Six artifacts of SL origin to be returned from the Netherlands

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ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier:

Sri Lanka won the toss and will bat first against the Netherlands.

WATCH live in Sri Lanka

https://live.sirasatv.lk/player.html?match=33 

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A bilateral Air Services Agreement has been signed between the Netherlands and Sri Lanka on Wednesday (22) in The Hague, the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the Hague announced.

The Embassy said in a statement that the agreement will provide a stronger platform to intensify connectivity both between the countries as well as the European and Asian regions. 

The Sri Lankan Embassy further stated that the instrument inked at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides, inter alia, for the designated airlines of both countries to fly between Amsterdam and Katunayake and beyond their respective territories. 

While the agreement broadens avenues for leisure and business travel and enhances business interaction, it will also provide a speedier conduit for the transfer of cargo. Sri Lanka has been a popular destination among Dutch travellers. 11,987 Dutch tourists travelled to Sri Lanka in 2022, despite the travel restrictions which prevailed during certain periods in the year. 

Sri Lanka’s envoy to the Netherlands Ambassador Aruni Ranaraja and the Acting Director General for Civil Aviation at the Dutch Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management H. van Faassen signed the agreement. 

The Embassy of Sri Lanka stated that the signature of the agreement reflects the mutual desire to deepen the bilateral relationship further. The two countries celebrated 70 years of formal diplomatic relations in 2021.

The agreement signed yesterday comes into effect on the first day of the second month following the date of the latter written notification through diplomatic channels, replacing a 1953 instrument. (NewsWire)

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