Ambassador of the Netherlands Bonnie Horbach

The Ambassador of the Netherlands Bonnie Horbach responding to questions posed by the Daily Mirror and shared her views on bilateral relations covering areas such as the island’s economic crisis, women rights and Human Rights 

Q  Sri Lanka is experiencing a debt restructuring process. It is seeking an arrangement with the IMF. How can the Netherlands support Sri Lanka for a successful conclusion of them and early economic recovery?

The Netherlands is supporting and closely monitoring the situation in Sri Lanka. We have re-purposed some projects to address the economic crisis and increased the grant elements for two large infrastructure projects that the Government of Sri Lanka is implementing with support from the Netherlands, so that the development of four hospitals in the North and 200 rural bridges throughout the country can continue. 

We observe that Sri Lanka’s current economic situation is complex and the recovery will be challenging and very painful for most Sri Lankans. As a member of the Paris Club, we are keen on seeing a clear vision for this recovery through transparency around an inclusive creditor table. We hope that Sri Lankan’s recovery will be a sustainable one and that with the reforms that are implemented now Sri Lanka can leapfrog and become a leading partner in areas such as climate change, digital transformation and good governance. In my short time here I have witnessed the resilience of Sri Lankans and the talent amongst the younger generation. In my opinion there is an opportunity for the country to put in place real reforms that will reap benefits and investment in the future.

It’s important that Sri Lanka improves its ease of doing business, transparency, rule of law and anti-corruption schemes

Q  The two sides held bilateral consultations in August, 2022. What follow up action has been taken to foster trade and investment ties?

With regards to economic diplomacy this embassy is focusing on supporting Dutch companies in the hope that they will continue to invest in Sri Lanka. At the moment it is of course more challenging to start to invest in Sri Lanka, but I am happy to see that most companies continue to operate here and I am positive that in the future that more Dutch companies would consider possibilities in Sri Lanka. Having said this, it is of course important that Sri Lanka improves its ease of doing business, transparency, rule of law and anti-corruption schemes. At the end of the day, Dutch companies want to invest in countries where there is a reliable governance system and predictable rule of law, where their investments are safe. 
Meanwhile exports to the Netherlands are continuing and as part of the European Union, we are promoting responsible business conduct (RBC). How is your supply chain organized? What is your carbon footprint and how do you treat your employees? Our customers are getting more and more aware of their influence and role in ensuring that the products that they buy meet sustainability standards. In the upcoming years, mandatory sustainability requirements for export to the EU will increase. We are emphasising to Sri Lanka producers that they could outplay their competition by ensuring that they are ahead of the curb and embrace these standards. More information on RBC is available on our website: www.netherlandsandyou.nl.

Q  When it comes to defence cooperation, what kind of areas are you looking at?

Maritime security and security of the Indian Ocean is of great concern to all of us. We monitor the situation, provide training opportunities and cooperate with the Sri Lankan counterparts to protect merchant ships sailing under the Dutch flag against threats like piracy. 

Q  What do you have to say on shipping connectivity between the two countries?

For centuries, the main maritime routes went via Sri Lanka. That was the reason why first the Portuguese, then the Dutch and finally the Brits where here. Sri Lanka still has this geostrategic position for our shipping routes as well as in many other ways. 
The shipping connectivity between the two countries has indeed been there for many centuries and over the years has only increased in both volume and global geo-political significance. Sri Lanka has the potential to become a greater maritime trade hub in the region.  Ninety percent of international trade is via maritime routes and the Indian and Pacific ocean harbour some of the busiest routes. Many of the ships on these routes also go to Rotterdam in the Netherlands, which is the biggest container port in Europe. For the Netherlands, the Asia-Pacific region is the biggest market (11% of our exports, 23% of our imports) outside Europe. So for the Netherlands, both from a trade and stability perspective, increasing shipping connectivity whilst maintaining freedom of navigation and adhering to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea by all countries is key. 

Maritime security and security of the Indian Ocean is of great concern to all of us

Q  In extending support to Sri Lanka during the current crisis time, in what ways can the Netherlands help as a member of European Union ?

We have conveyed to the Government of Sri Lanka that the Netherlands is ready to support Sri Lanka to overcome the current economic situation both bilaterally and multilaterally through mechanisms available to us. Sri Lanka has rightly decided to go to the IMF early this year and now has reached a staff level agreement. As a member of the Club of Paris and IMF shareholder, we have made it clear that the Netherlands is ready to support in Sri Lanka in order to get the IMF support package. We have also repurposed some of our ongoing partnerships with Sri Lanka to support its efforts to meet the challenges posed by current crisis, until the IMF loan is approved. We hope that other countries also will take their responsibility.  

Q  As for Human Rights, Sri Lanka has decided to engage the Tamil Diaspora. Also it is taking steps to set up a truth seeking mechanism. What are your views?

Protection and promotion of Human Rights remain key foreign policy priorities for the Netherlands across the globe. We welcome whatever steps, however small they are or still in the primary stage Sri Lanka is taking to achieve meaningful reconciliation that addresses the genuine concerns of citizens of all faiths and ethnicities. Engaging with different stakeholders, including the Tamil Diaspora is important and a step in the right direction. What is most important is that all parties listen to each other, to really want to understand what happened and how this happened. Only then can societies learn from the mistakes of the past and undo the wrongs.  
I was briefed by government leaders on steps that are being taken to establish a domestic truth seeking mechanism, which is a welcome move. The Netherlands is ready to explore possibilities to provide expertise to Sri Lanka if they make a request. Global examples show us that long standing conflicts require time to be healed and resolved. I am realistic about it. What’s necessary are genuine efforts from all stakeholders to achieve durable and long lasting reconciliation. 

An economic crisis shouldn’t be an excuse to compromise on the human rights enjoyed by citizens

Q  Sri Lanka went through political turmoil which saw the ouster of the former president. Still there are allegations related to Human Rights over the measures taken to deal with activists of the Aragalaya. As a western country keen on rights protection how do you see it?

When it comes to Human Rights, there is a genuine concern of shrinking civic space and compromising of fundamental rights, particularly freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. We all know what a turbulent period Sri Lanka has been experiencing since the start of the COVID 19 pandemic and then political unrest coupled with the worst ever economic crisis in its history. These are challenging times. This is also the time Human Rights are put under pressure. Therefore we urge all parties in Sri Lanka to respect fundamental rights, like the right to freedom of peaceful assembly, association and expression and to refrain from resorting to aggressive responses that may escalate the situation. Protecting and promoting Human Rights is everyone’s responsibility and a matured democracy like Sri Lanka knows how important this is and what benefits this provides.
Also, the Netherlands as a country and as a member of the European Union highlighted to the government that the current Prevention of Terrorism Act should be replaced with international standards. We are told that Sri Lanka is working towards it and I hope this new legislation will be adopted soon. This is important to keep access to the EU market via the Generalised Scheme of Preferences and support Sri Lanka’s economic recovery. 

Q  Some believe Sri Lanka should be given a breathing space regarding Human Rights issues as it is struggling to overcome the economic crisis. What is your response?

I don’t agree. Respect for Human Rights and economic prosperity and quality of life are interconnected. If we look at the rest of the world we see economic prosperity and living standards are high in countries that have a good Human Rights record. An economic crisis should not be an excuse to compromise on the Human Rights enjoyed by citizens. Instead, rights should be protected and promoted to overcome the current economic crisis. How can you promote creativity and innovation if your freedom and safety are not guaranteed, if you are not free to say what you want to say, be who you want to be?  

In my short time here I have witnessed the resilience of Sri Lankans and the talent amongst the younger generation

Q  What is your assessment of women’s rights in Sri Lanka ?

Sri Lanka is considered the oldest democracy in Asia in terms of universal adult franchise for both men and women. When I arrived in Sri Lanka, on my way from the airport, our embassy driver proudly told my daughter and me that Sri Lanka was the first country in the world with a female Prime Minister. It is great that Sri Lankans take pride in this and find it important to stress these facts.  

But even though women enjoy more rights now compared to a generation or two before there is still a lot to be done. Though Sri Lankan women enjoy a relatively higher level of rights than their counterparts in the region, they are still facing numerous challenges simply because their rights are not fully respected and protected. Women and girls are more vulnerable in stressful times such as these, with increased economic vulnerabilities and impacts of the COVID 19. But by no means is this a Sri Lankan problem. One third of the world’s women population is subjected to gender-based violence in their life time. The Netherlands also has its own challenges ensuring women’s rights fully.

There is also an economic reason why we should promote rights for women. More than a half of the population in Sri Lanka comprises women. They can contribute to the society and economic progress. Their creativity and talents should be used in the formal economy. The same goes for representation. Women should be guaranteed a fair chance of representing themselves in the political system. Sri Lankan female political representation at the national level is alarmingly low. A guaranteed quota for women at local council level is a welcome move. But it needs to be recognised and improved at all level of governance.    

Sri Lankan female political representation at the national level is alarmingly low

Q  In what way can the Netherlands cooperate with Sri Lanka to improve gender equality?

The Netherlands has a feminist foreign policy; which means that we take gender equality as a top priority in our international engagements. We are working with the Sri Lankan Government and different stakeholders on improving gender equality in Sri Lanka. We have multiple projects going on in several parts of the country to promote women’s role in politics and reconciliation, female economic empowerment and fighting gender-based violence, for example by training young women to counter hate speech and discrimination via social media, advocate law reforms to ensure gender equality and bringing women’s rights into public discussions via short films produced by young women. All these efforts have one goal: to ensure gender equality for Sri Lankan women and girls.    

Q  In Sri Lanka, prices of animal products are very high. The Netherlands is a country with a lot of expertise in the livestock sector. How can Sri Lanka benefit from it?

The Netherlands being the second largest exporter of agricultural products globally is keen on both sharing knowledge and expertise and learning from others. The agricultural policy of the Dutch Government is to ensure food security while managing resources sustainably. In line with this policy, the Embassy has been actively positioning Dutch knowledge and technology in the field of dairy, poultry and horticulture in Sri Lanka to further develop these sectors sustainably. We have organised and still organize many activities from knowledge sharing to trade facilitation in collaboration with the dairy and poultry sectors in both countries. For example, we recently started a training of trainers program to sustainably grow the poultry sector in Sri Lanka. You can follow our projects via Facebook: www.facebook.com/NLambassadeColombo. 

Dutch companies want to invest in countries where there is a reliable governance system and predictable rule of law

Q  What are the latest initiatives to conserve the Dutch heritage in Sri Lanka ?

Cultural cooperation is the top priority in our engagements with Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is among the 23 priority countries for the Netherlands’ international cultural cooperation. The cultural cooperation program with Sri Lanka focuses on our shared past, how this past influences our present relations and on advancing our future cooperation. 
Sri Lanka has Dutch heritage reflecting our relations from centuries ago. We have had cooperation in the cultural sector focussing on renovations of archaeological sites to preserve the shared cultural heritage for many decades. These days, we are focusing on providing expertise needed for heritage conservation and museum development. For example, we supported digitalization of documents at the National Archives in order to facilitate broader public access for archives.

 
To connect the past to the present and future, we also supported a project to produce a digital mapping app of some selected Dutch fort cities in Sri Lanka. With the app, everybody can listen to locals living close to the forts telling stories about the forts. So they provide new narratives to old places. And we just completed a high quality museum training programme for senior and mid-career level staff of various museums and collection based institutions in Sri Lanka. Furthermore, we are now planning the return of some of the Sri Lankan cultural artifacts taken to the Netherlands during the colonial period. Provenance research has already been done for six artifacts and we are working with Sri Lankan authorities closely regarding the matter.    

With all these projects we aim to look critically at the past in order to learn from it and built equal partnerships for the future. This is because we have to face the fact that the relations in the colonial period were not like today. Our cooperation then was asymmetrical. When it comes to Dutch heritage in Sri Lanka, we want to discuss and explore the impact of the dark side of our past relations during the colonial period. To me, the past is not something static. It changes with time due to different perspectives. Therefore it is important to investigate the past and how it continues to dictate our present relations, how structures from the past still affect power imbalances today. These critical and honest reflections can help us build equal partnerships based on mutual respect.

Pic by waruna wanniarachchi