Cultural cooperation Sri Lanka-Netherlands 2025-2028

Dutch architecture, Dutch roman law and Dutch words superficially shaped the general view of Dutch - Sri Lankan cultural relations over the past years. The Dutch policy developed from cultural heritage to shared cultural heritage; from financing conservation to providing expertise and building capacity locally. Sri Lanka’s cultural and art scene is deeply rooted in history and holds huge potential for growth and innovation. There is also a growing realisation that the rich and often politically motivated modern and contemporary art has suffered a lack of attention, development and display in Sri Lanka and outside. In the past few years there has been an increase of public engagement with the state museums and archives. Regarding cooperation with Sri Lanka in the policy period of 2025-2028, the Dutch government mainly focuses on (supporting) activities related to heritage, archives, contemporary art and dialogue. This increases the possible areas of engagement between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands. From preserving the shared past to what we acquire and create today, from heritage to culture, linking past to present.

Heritage
The Netherlands will continue to support partnerships to enable Sri Lanka to restore and manage existing Dutch heritage infrastructure (forts, churches and canals) by opening it to the public, keeping it ‘alive’ and looking into economic viability. Integrating heritage responsibly in broader urban development planning is part and parcel of a sustainable future. Supporting and training professionals in archaeology and urban development will therefore continue. Further cooperation is focused on preservation and access to documents/archives regarding Dutch period and encourage research and debate between Sri Lankan and Dutch stakeholders on the shared history linked to contemporary global and local challenges. In 2023 six objects, most notably the cannon of Kandy, from the Rijksmuseum were returned to Sri Lanka. Cooperation on colonial collections and restitution with museums focusing on restitution applications, research, conservation and exhibitions design will continue. The national museums of Sri Lanka have impressive collections but their display and presentations leave room for improvement. The Dutch embassy works as a mediator between Dutch and Sri Lankan expertise on how to communicate historical narratives via historical artefacts and the way they are presented, and to make active learning (edutainment) part of the experience of visiting these museums.

Archives & dialogue
Preserving the old VOC documents in the National Archive of Colombo is hugely challenging and important. The accessibility of Dutch historical records also requires further attention in the years to come. Permanent coordination between the two National Archives will be a key part of the work. The Dutch embassy encourages people to do research using the archives. More attention for the Dutch period can and will trigger more debate. One example is the research performed by Leiden University called ‘Colonialism Inside Out’. The embassy aims to facilitate this open dialogue about the past and what can be learned from it today. In this light, developments regarding the return of colonial objects and art are also relevant and interesting.

Contemporary art
The current policy aims to support Sri Lankan initiatives in contemporary visual and performing arts and design and to increase the visibility of Dutch art/design in these areas. Painting, photography, dance, music, literature, theatre and film all have traditional roots while developing into modern and contemporary art forms. They play their role in society, both socially and politically, as many arts are used in Sri Lanka to express political viewpoints.

Within this broad range of possibilities, the following considerations are leading for support and cooperation. Firstly, the possibility to actively contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals of which quality education, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, responsible consumption and production, peace, justice and strong institutions have the highest priority. Secondly, the possibility to link heritage to contemporary art/culture by supporting creative initiatives that take inspiration from or use cultural heritage to address social issues and support SDGs, and thirdly, the opportunity to support projects that focus on strengthening a contemporary Sri Lankan cultural identity. As the Dutch international cultural policy framework suggests, this is done through partnerships and exchange and by boosting the visibility of Dutch culture.

In Sri Lanka, the diplomatic network consists of the embassy in Colombo. The embassy supports projects that align with the objectives of the International Cultural Policy 2025–2028. The focus is on fostering cultural cooperation in areas such as shared cultural heritage, contemporary visual arts, dialogue and exchange between artists and institutions, and the development and preservation of archives. Exhibitions of mutual interest, initiatives that promote cultural dialogue, and the exchange of expertise and experts are strongly encouraged.

Would you like to receive more information regarding opportunities for cultural exchange with Sri Lanka? Feel free to contact our Sri Lanka advisor Stella Roos Peters with your questions for tailored advice.
 

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