The Netherlands has returned six artefacts of cultural significance to Sri Lanka. The items, now housed in the National Museum of Columbo, include an ornate canon inlaid with gold, silver and bronze, sabres and a knife stolen by the colonial power during the Kandy palace siege in 1765. The Netherlands has promised to restore a total of 478 relics to both Sri Lanka and Indonesia, stating that there is no place for objects acquired by theft in Dutch museums. The move marks a significant moment in reclaiming Sri Lankan cultural heritage, offering hope for similar initiatives.
Citizens in Maryland, US, can now access gender-affirming treatments through the state’s Medicaid programme following a new law effective from 1 January. The Trans Health Equity Act covers treatments such as hormone replacement therapy, voice surgery, gender-affirming surgery and hair removal and transplants. The Act has been hailed as a step toward the provision of more inclusive healthcare at a time of increasing politicization and criminalization of trans healthcare in other states.
