Sri Lanka, May 17 -- Cultural objects displaced during the colonial period should not be viewed merely as museum possessions, but as part of the living heritage, identity, and historical memory of nations and peoples, Acting Foreign Minister Arun Hemachandra said while addressing the inauguration of the "Whose Law?" Research Conference held in Colombo on 13 May 2026.

The conference brought together legal scholars, historians, provenance researchers, museum professionals, policymakers and international partners to discuss issues surrounding cultural heritage displaced during the colonial era, with particular attention on provenance research, legal and historical inquiry, cultural memory and ethical restitution.

Among those attending the ...