Colombo, May 21: A significant revelation has emerged regarding the disappearance of 42 ancient paintings from Sri Lanka’s National Art Gallery. This information was presented to Parliament, highlighting the alarming findings from a recent investigation into the gallery’s records.
An inquiry has been initiated concerning the missing paintings. Minister of Buddha Sasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs, Sunil Handunnetti, informed Parliament on Wednesday about the situation.
He explained that a survey board, appointed by the then Director of Cultural Affairs in 2015, conducted a physical verification of the paintings and sculptures housed in the National Art Gallery. This investigation uncovered that 42 paintings are unaccounted for.
In response to a question from SJB MP Mujibur Rahman, the minister stated that the official register and stock book recorded 281 paintings in the gallery. However, upon counting, only 239 paintings were found to be present. The specific identities of the missing artworks remain unclear at this time.
The minister also mentioned that an investigative committee, appointed by the Secretary of the Ministry of Buddha Sasana and Religious Affairs, has commenced a preliminary inquiry. Additionally, the police are conducting their own investigation, and statements from relevant officials have been recorded.
According to Sri Lankan media outlet Daily Mirror, the art gallery has been closed since 2012 due to renovations. When questioned in Parliament about reopening the gallery, the minister asserted that the government plans to make it accessible to the public by the end of this year.
The Sri Lanka National Art Gallery, located in Colombo’s Cinnamon Gardens, is the country’s first state-sponsored art gallery. As per information from its official website, it is situated near the National Museum and Viharamahadevi Park, serving as a historical center for Sri Lanka’s traditional and contemporary art.
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