National Art Gallery audit reveals 42 ancient paintings missing from Sri Lanka’s collection as ministry and police investigations continue.
National Art Gallery records show 42 invaluable ancient paintings are missing from Sri Lanka’s official collection, according to details revealed in Parliament.
Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi said an audit at Sri Lanka’s National Art Gallery had uncovered the disappearance of the artworks.
He made the disclosure in Parliament in response to a question.
The Minister said a physical verification and survey committee was first appointed in 2015 under the instructions of the then Director of Cultural Affairs.
The committee had been tasked with inspecting paintings and sculptures at the institution.
After completing its survey, the committee submitted a stock verification report.
That report revealed a gap between the official asset records and the actual physical inventory available at the gallery.
According to the official ledger and stock books, the National Art Gallery should have a total collection of 281 paintings.
However, the physical number of paintings currently remaining inside the Kalabhavana is only 239.
Accordingly, the discrepancy between the official records and the actual collection stands at 42 paintings.
Senevi told Parliament that standard enforcement procedures and necessary legal steps have already been set in motion regarding the missing artwork.
A preliminary investigation has also been launched by an inquiry committee appointed by the Secretary to the Ministry of Buddhasasana and Religious Affairs.
The committee is now recording statements and collecting evidence from relevant parties.
In addition to the ministry’s internal inquiry, a police investigation is also underway.
The Colombo South Division Criminal Investigation Bureau is conducting assessments.
Senevi said the case is moving forward based on information gathered from time to time.
The National Art Gallery is currently closed for renovation.
