Other event
Details
Event title
Sri Lanka - 42 ancient paintings missing from National Art Gallery
Source
Severity
Unspecified
Event date (UTC)
2026-05-22 10:51:36
Last update (UTC)
2026-05-22 10:51:36
Area range
Local event
Address/Affected area(s)
Colombo, Colombo District, Western Province
Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi yesterday told Parliament that 42 ancient paintings were missing from the National Art Gallery, and that had been uncovered during a stock verification conducted in 2015.
Responding to a question raised by SJB Colombo District MP Mujibur Rahuman, the Minister said a stock verification board had inspected paintings and sculptures at the gallery in 2015, leading to the discovery of the missing artworks.
According to official records, the stock register listed 281 paintings, but only 239 are currently available at the National Art Gallery.
“The Ministry of Buddhasasana and Religious Affairs Secretary has appointed a committee, which has launched preliminary investigations. The recording of statements has commenced. I have given information to the Police in 2024 and 2025 regarding investigations into the matter,” the Minister said.
The Minister added that investigations were continuing into the disappearance of the paintings while authorities were working to determine the circumstances surrounding the missing artworks.
By Saman Indrajith