Heritage and decoloniality: Reflections from Sri Lanka—A conversation.

This article delves into the relationship between heritage and decoloniality in Sri Lanka, focusing on the influence of colonialism and external exploitation on society and heritage in South Asia. The authors, who come from diverse backgrounds, share their personal experiences and perspectives on the topic, emphasizing the importance of cross-community conversations and a critical examination of history and heritage. The text also touches on the perception of a new Chinese colonialism in Sri Lanka. The authors argue that the current understanding of heritage in Sri Lanka is rooted in colonial knowledge and institutions, and advocate for questioning and transforming these institutions as part of the decolonization process. They also stress the need for critical thinking and reflection when engaging with colonial institutions and addressing the diverse history of Sri Lanka. [Extracted from the article]