Selective nostalgia: development through ‘shared heritage’ diplomacy in post-colonial Sri Lanka

Heritage conservation of UNESCO-listed sites often serves dual diplomatic and developmental agendas, as demonstrated by Sri Lanka's Old Town of Galle. This study reveals that the Dutch ancestry of Galle Fort is selectively prioritized to neutralize colonial narratives—boosting achievements while downplaying exploitation—for Dutch interests, while Sri Lankan authorities leverage this 'shared heritage' for tourism-driven economic growth. However, such reinterpretation fuels gentrification and marginalizes local communities. The research employs interviews, observational data, and documents to expose how heritage becomes a tool for divergent agendas, reshaping socio-spatial dynamics in post-colonial contexts.

Janakiraman, A. (2026). Selective nostalgia: development through ‘shared heritage’ diplomacy in post-colonial Sri Lanka. Environment and Planning C: Politics and Space. https://doi.org/10.1177/23996544261494355