Dutch to return colonial treasures to Indonesia, S.Lanka

The Cannon of Kandy which originated from Sri Lanka is displayed at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. - Rijksmuseum via AP

THE HAGUE (AFP): The Netherlands said Thursday (July 6) it will hand back hundreds of colonial-era artifacts to Indonesia and Sri Lanka, including a haul of treasure and a gem-encrusted bronze cannon.

The decision to return some 478 objects followed recommendations by a government-appointed commission last year looking into illegal Dutch colonial acquisitions now being displayed in museums in the Netherlands.