A major controversy has emerged over the disappearance of 47 paintings of significant historical and artistic value from Sri Lanka’s National Art Gallery, with several of the missing works reportedly traced to prominent individuals.
Some of the artworks are allegedly in the possession of a former Yahapalana-era minister’s brother-in-law, while others have ended up with a high-profile figure in the casino industry.
The paintings are believed to have vanished during a period when the gallery was closed for renovation and maintenance work.
Sources close to the investigation indicate that the security personnel on duty at the time may have collaborated in facilitating the disappearance of the artwork.
Among the missing pieces are works by some of Sri Lanka’s most respected artists, including A.C.G.S. Amarasekara and J.D.A. Perera.
Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hinduma Sunil Senevi has also confirmed that several valuable paintings have gone missing from the gallery.
He said that legal action is being pursued, and that the Ministry is working to recover the lost pieces.
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