Statements Recorded From Former Officials Over Missing Paintings at National Art Gallery

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Sri Lanka Police have recorded statements from nine former officials of the Department of Cultural Affairs in connection with the disappearance of 42 paintings from the National Art Gallery.

According to police, the group includes former officers in charge dating back to 1990.

Police also stated that a report regarding the incident has been obtained from the Secretary to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.

Investigators revealed that many of the antiquities and artworks housed at the gallery had not been properly catalogued or entered into a formal data management system.

Further statements are expected to be recorded from more individuals as investigations are continuing. 

The existence of an investigation into the disappearance of the 42 paintings from the National Art Gallery was recently confirmed in Parliament by Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi.