BY RANDIMA ATTYGALLE

In a collaborative international provenance research, which was concluded in April 2022, six artefacts from the Rijksmuseum collection in Amsterdam, were confirmed to be of Lankan origin and were returned in December 2023. They are now displayed at the Colombo National Museum for both local and foreign visitors to admire.

A golden and a silver kasthãné or sabre, a golden knife, two maha thuwakku or wall guns and Lewke Disave’s cannon – all belonging to the Kandyan kingdom, were confirmed to be war booty, obtained by the Dutch East India Company (VOC) during the siege of the palace of Kandy in 1765 when large scale looting of Kandyan objects took place.

The restitution of the six Kandyan artefacts which were looted during the Dutch colonial rule of the island, took place in the wake of the Dutch Government formally apologizing for their historic role in slavery which led to a national policy of restitution of objects in colonial contexts. The restitution marked a significant milestone in the bilateral relations between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands. The idea of initiating a knowledge exchange between the Dutch and Sri Lankan researchers and conservators which was proposed at that juncture was also a means of solidifying such relations. The objective of this exchange, funded by five organizations in the Netherlands including the Cultural Heritage Agency and the Rijksmuseum, is to ensure the proper preservation of the repatriated objects as well as a wider range of collections and materials.

Knowledge co-creation

The recently concluded Conservation Exchange Programme for Wood and Metal Artefacts which was held at the Colombo National Museum premises, focused on key themes including Material Identification and Deterioration, Conservation Science, Advanced Conservation Techniques, Knowledge Sharing, Capacity Building and Strengthening International Collaboration. The themes were explored through presentations, discussions, collaborative assessments of individual objects and collections as well as hands-on- practice.

Ambassador of the Netherlands to Sri Lanka, Bonnie Horbach remarked that museums cooperation is one of the policy goals of the Netherlands Embassy in Colombo under the International Cultural Corporation and the recently concluded conservation workshop with researchers from the Rijksmuseum and from the Department of National Museums, is a significant collaboration through equal partnership and knowledge co-creation. “Sri Lanka remains a priority country in the International Cultural Corporation Policy of the Netherlands and we look forward to supporting more collaborations as equal partners in the future,” the Ambassador stated further.

Mutual learning curve

For Wood and Furniture Conservator Tirza Mol and Metal Conservator Tamar Davidowitz, both from the Department of Conservation and Science, Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, the knowledge exchange has been a rejuvenating experience. Speaking to the Sunday Island on the final day of the workshop at the Colombo National Museum, Tirza, averred: “it has been a very interesting project for us, working in different climate circumstances and challenging environmental conditions. For instance, the climate in Sri Lanka is very humid and there is also the threat of insects. Considering all these challenges, I expected to see significant cracks in furniture which is my area of expertise, but surprisingly I did not, which is amazing.” Tirza has been with the Rijksmuseum as a furniture conservator since 2018 and she is also the Secretary of the ICOM-CC Fund.

Endorsing Tirza, her colleague, Tamar who is also a lecturer at the Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage Department at the University of Amsterdam noted: “we are very impressed by what we’ve seen in Sri Lanka. The objects are very well conserved which speaks for the skill and dedication of the local conservators here. While transferring our knowledge in terms of slightly different ways of applying techniques, we were also exposed to sustainable preservation strategies in challenging environmental conditions. All-in-all the programme was a mutual learning curve.”

The six Kandyan artefacts which were returned from the Netherlands in 2023 and are now on display at the Colombo National Museum

The visiting Dutch conservators who were among the custodians to the six returned Kandyan artefacts while they were displayed back in the Netherlands also remarked that they were heartened to see how enthusiastically they have been received by Lankans and cared for. The intricately- crafted objects make one “simply blown-away,” said smiling Tirza, adding that their craftsmanship is of supreme quality. “When studying the objects, it was very interesting to observe the cross-cultural influence on some of them, particularly the cannon (Lewke Disave’s). Trying to disentangle those intricacies was a very interesting exercise for me,” remarked Tamar who found the artefacts “breathtaking.” The conservators also teamed up with local museum experts in carrying out a maintenance check on some of the objects during their stay here. “It was so nice to have been looking at the objects and working on them together, so that in a very concrete, practical sense we could exchange ideas and techniques,” Tamar said further.

Lankan skill and expertise

The eagerness of Lankans to learn and absorb knowledge and techniques from all corners of the world is very encouraging to achieve the expected outcomes of the knowledge exchange programme, maintained the Dutch experts. “We are aware that from time-to-time foreign experts have been visiting Sri Lanka for similar knowledge-sharing sessions, and observing the levels of expertise, we could see that Sri Lankan conservators have acquired knowledge so very well,” noted the Metal Conservator. Given the skill and the agility of Lankans to learn, they should be enabled more research opportunities, observed Tirza. This is also one of the expected outcomes of this programme which is to enable sustained collaborations between the conservators of the two countries for future projects including the technical study of objects and materials for potential joint research initiatives.

Hands-on learning

Recapping the learnings from the programme, Head of the Conservation Division, Department of National Museums, Chandrika Munasinghe remarked: “Although the approach to wood and metal conservation in theory may be the same in both countries, the knowledge gained on new materials including eco-friendly chemicals used in the Netherlands was a valuable learning.” During the five-day programme, local conservators teamed up with the Dutch experts to work on a few selected metal and wood objects including a 200-year-old mask found at the Colombo National Museum and a few pieces of furniture displayed at the Dutch Museum in Colombo (Pettah). “Although it was a brief programme, the experience of working with the Dutch experts who are more familiar with the latest technology was a valuable experience and we look forward to similar long-term ventures for enhanced knowledge-sharing,” noted the senior Conservation Officer.

Supporting specialization

“In order to give more local conservation professionals opportunity to gain hands-on experience in line with one of the main objectives of the Exchange Programme which is the transfer of newly acquired knowledge to the broader conservation community in Sri Lanka, we invited representatives from the Department of Archaelogy and the Central Cultural Fund as well to be part of the programme,” pointed out the Director General of the Department of National Museums, Sanuja Kasthuriarachchi. She further remarked that the experience is perceived as a stepping-stone to further fruitful collaborations between Sri Lanka and the Netherlands, especially in terms of supporting specialization. “Our conservators should be credited for their dedication and expertise given the fact that they have limited resources. It is challenging for them to specialize in a particular discipline (such as wood or metal for example), as conservators due to lack of funds. I fervently hope that the authorities in the Netherlands could assist us in honing their skills further.”

Call for a National Research Institute

The workshop was an eye-opener to several critical globally accepted conservation approaches including sustainable chemical use and preventive care in conservation, pointed out Senior Conservation Officer (Artefacts), Central Cultural Fund, Menaka Rodrigo. “One of the most notable take-aways was the sustainable use of chemicals and new substitutes for traditionally used chemicals. Such chemicals which are friendly on the object, man and the environment, causing minimal damage in the conservation process, is gaining momentum world over and we were very fortunate to have gained hands-on experience about them during the programme,” said the Senior Conservation Officer who also calls for a possible Sri-Lanka-Netherlands collaboration to set up a much-wanted National Research Institute which can bring professionals from multiple disciplines including conservation under one roof.

Thanking all stakeholders responsible for the workshop and the Department of National Museums, Director (Chemical Conservation), Department of Archaeology, Geethani Kuruppuarachchi said that the initiative provided the participants new knowledge on wood and metal conservation. “It was my first experience with international experts in this specialized discipline and I found the programme to be immensely beneficial.”

Assistant Director, (Chemical Conservation), Department of Archaeology Hasanthi De Silva remarked that the hands-on-experience gained to upgrade knowledge during the workshop was notable. “It is not always possible for many to be trained overseas and therefore it would be great if similar workshops could be conducted here at home, so that more local conservators can be benefitted.” Sharing her first-time experience of a workshop with foreign experts, Development Officer from the Department of National Museums, Harshani Peiris said that it was a privilege to have worked with some of the top conservators from the Rijksmuseum. “I was very fortunate to have acquired new knowledge in terms of metal and wood conservation, especially the new types of chemicals and technology used in the process.”

(Pic credit: Department of National Museums)

Bangalore-based hepatobiliary surgeon, Dr. H. R. S. Girn, recently visited Sri Lanka on the invitation of Amart Holding’s Medical Tourism Division, where he shared valuable insights into liver health, liver disease, and transplantation. As a leading expert in complex hepatobiliary and multi-organ transplant surgery, Dr. Girn emphasized the importance of liver health awareness, early diagnosis, and the role of lifestyle choices in preventing serious liver conditions.

Understanding Liver Diseases: A Silent Epidemic

During his interview, Dr. Girn addressed a wide range of liver-related topics—from common conditions like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to more severe ailments such as hepatitis, cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer.

“Liver diseases often go unnoticed until they reach advanced stages,” Dr. Girn explained. “That’s why prevention, regular check-ups, and awareness are crucial.”

Q&A with Dr. Girn: Excerpts from the Interview

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver and can be caused by viruses—primarily Hepatitis A, B, and C.

Hepatitis A is typically spread through contaminated food or water, especially in areas with poor sanitation.

Hepatitis B is transmitted through sexual contact, blood transfusions, or sharing of contaminated needles.

Hepatitis C is often a chronic infection and is usually contracted through blood exposure.

“All forms of hepatitis can lead to chronic liver inflammation and, if untreated, progress to liver cirrhosis or cancer,”

Can Hepatitis affect all age groups?

Yes. Viral hepatitis can affect individuals of any age. While symptoms may not always be apparent early on, many patients report persistent fatigue.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) What is NAFLD?

NAFLD is a condition where fat accumulates in the liver in individuals who consume little or no alcohol.

“It’s a particularly dangerous condition because it often shows no symptoms until it has advanced to liver failure,

What are the main causes?

Key contributors include:

Obesity

Sedentary lifestyle

High intake of processed or fast foods

Diabetes (both Type 1 and Type 2)

Are both men and women at risk?

Absolutely. Both genders are susceptible, though women are often more sensitive to the damaging effects of alcohol on the liver.

“You don’t need to be an alcoholic to develop liver disease. Many social drinkers develop severe liver conditions,

Liver Transplantation and When is it necessary?

Liver transplantation becomes essential when the liver fails, often due to chronic conditions like cirrhosis, hepatitis, or liver cancer. In advanced stages, when other organs such as the kidneys or lungs are affected, transplantation may be the only lifesaving option.

Is it curable ?

Transplantation can offer a new lease on life. However, if the underlying cause of liver damage (e.g., hepatitis C) remains active and persistant the disease can recur in the new liver.

What about accessibility and cost?

Liver transplants are expensive worldwide. Unfortunately, the demand for donor organs far exceeds supply. In India, particularly in Bangalore, government schemes and charitable organizations are often involved in assisting patients financially.

Symptoms and diagnosis of non Alcholic Fatty Liver Disease

Are there early

symptoms?

Most patients with NAFLD are asymptomatic. In advanced cases, mild abdominal pain, fatigue, nausea, or vomiting may occur. Without intervention, it can lead to cirrhosis and eventually liver failure.

How is it diagnosed?

People with risk factors are encouraged to undergo:

Liver function tests every six months

Abdominal ultrasound

FibroScan (in some cases)

“Even young adults can have fatty liver. The best intervention is sustained weight loss and control of diabetes and cholesterol,

Cirrhosis is more than just alcohol

Is alcohol the only cause of cirrhosis?

No. While alcohol is a major factor, it accounts for only about 50% of all cirrhosis cases. The rest are due to:

Viral hepatitis

Genetic disorders

Autoimmune and metabolic diseases

Liver Cancer: A growing Concern

Liver cancer is often diagnosed late due to its asymptomatic nature. Almost all chronic liver diseases can evolve into cancer if left unmanaged.

What are the key barriers to prevention and early detection?

Lack of public awareness

Inaccessible routine screenings, especially in rural areas

Undiagnosed hepatitis B and C

Limited knowledge among healthcare workers

The liver has no pain receptors, which means most diseases progress silently. That’s why regular check-ups are essential for at-risk populations.

Preventive Measures

Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol

Maintain a healthy weight

Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and antioxidants

Undergo regular liver screenings if at risk

Dr. H. R. S. Girn is a Senior Consultant and Head of Department at Aster Whitefield Hospital, Bangalore, specializing in adult and pediatric liver transplantation, pancreatic and biliary surgery, and multi-organ transplant procedures. He holds extensive international training and has successfully managed complex liver and cirrhotic cases over his career.

For more information about liver disease and treatment options at Aster Whitefield, visit their official website or contact the hospital’s liver care team.

Sun Siyam Pasikudah, hosted its debut edition of Island Soul, a curated three-day wellness and cultural retreat that blended soul-nourishing experiences with culinary storytelling and mindful living the soulful beauty of Sri Lanka’s east coast. Designed as a mindful escape for modern travellers, the event offered a series of curated experiences focused on reconnection — with nature, self, and community.

Designed as a mindful escape for modern travelers, the event offered a series of curated experiences focused on reconnection — with nature, self, and community.the event attracted wellness seekers, food lovers, and eco-conscious travelers from across the region.

Rooted in the values of slow living and sustainability, Island Soul invited guests to disconnect from the noise and reconnect with nature, self, and culture — through a rich itinerary designed to soothe, inspire, and delight. This first edition of Island Soul reinforced Sun Siyam Pasikudah’s vision to create immersive, wellness-led experiences that celebrate Sri Lankan culture, conscious living, and personal transformation.

Guests were welcomed by the resort’s general manager Arshed Refai and his team with Sun Siyam Pasikudah’s signature eco-friendly greeting before gathering at sunset for a wellness-infused Sundowner Welcome, hosted by international health coach Shane Seery, accompanied by nourishing drinks and gourmet canapés. Shane is n Irish-born, Dubai-based executive health coach specializing in helping high performers optimize their health through nutrition, performance, and functional health. The evening continued with a sustainable sensory dinner, followed by Fireside Tales and Teas under the stars, a peaceful blend of storytelling and herbal infusions.

The next day, fitness and wellness expert Marina led a rejuvenating sunrise yoga and wellness talk by the ocean, followed by an Ayurvedic-inspired breakfast of kenda, tropical fruits, and herbal smoothies. The day unfolded with a garden-side lunch, optional one-on-one wellness consults, and ended with a soulful night of Moonlight Jazz and Tapas under the stars — a perfect harmony of music, movement, and mindful indulgence.

On the third day, Guests began with a conscious breakfast in the courtyard, with nutrient-rich Ayurvedic food followed, featuring local superfoods such as kenda, string hoppers, herbal smoothies, and tropical fruits. by a functional training session led by Shane Seery focusing on movement and longevity. Later, an interactive cooking class with a local chef offered a hands-on look at heritage recipes with a healthy twist. The event concluded with a farewell Earth-to-Table lunch, where guests shared dishes, they had prepared together, followed by mindful journaling and a curated gift kits featuring artisanal teas, hand-written recipes, and natural wellness items sourced locally.