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The Protection of Cultural Property: Post-Colonial and Post-Conflict Perspectives from Sri Lanka

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  14 December 2017

Naazima Kamardeen
Naazima Kamardeen*
Affiliation:
Department of Commercial Law, Faculty of Law, University of Colombo, Sri Lanka; Email: [email protected]
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Abstract:

Cultural property is related to the evolution of a nation’s identity. It forms a vital link to the past, wherefrom the present and future may be nurtured and enriched. However, objects related to cultural heritage have been the target of looting and pilfering, resulting in loss to the country concerned. The situation is worsened where these objects have been removed during an era where there were no laws and regulations to control such removal. This article focuses on the loss of cultural property with reference to two specific modes of loss of particular concern to Sri Lanka—the removal of cultural property during the colonial era and the loss of cultural property during the more recent ethnic conflict. Through an analysis of the relevant laws and regulations, this article evaluates Sri Lanka’s rights to its cultural property and its efforts to regain, and preserve, its cultural heritage.

Keywords

Sri Lankaownershipcultural propertycultural heritagerestitutioncolonialism
Type
Research Article
Information
International Journal of Cultural Property , Volume 24 , Issue 4 , November 2017 , pp. 429 - 450
Copyright
Copyright © International Cultural Property Society 2017 

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