Bizarre vanishing of museum artifacts

16 December 2013 03:43 am - 14 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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As many as 221 artifacts including old coins dating back to Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa eras, ancient swords and the belt worn by Nugawela Adikaram, had disappeared last year after an exhibition conducted at the Colombo National Museum, Parliament was informed recently.

The annual report of the National Heritage Ministry, presented to the House last week, detailed out the items stolen from the central lobby of the upper floor of the Museum after the exhibition held on March 16, 2012.

The items thus stolen were listed out as 66 gold coins belonging to the Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa eras, three gold ceremonial coins, two Mohammedan silver coins, a necklace with gold Panam coins, 40 silver coins that belonged to the Kandy period, ten silver coins, nine led coins with scripts, 42 currency notes issued after 1942, five swords with scabbards 18/19 centuries), three swords without scabbards(18/19 centuries), 18 rings made of gold, silver and braze, 18 rings made of gold, silver and carnelian seal with a female figure embossed in it, two walking sticks and the belt worn by Nugawela Adikaram (made of green colour fabric and embroidered with gold threads).

Among these items, the sword of Nugawela Adikaram was a unique one. Its handle was carved with the picture of a snarling lion. The blade had been made of steel. It was 65 centimeters long. The sheath of the sword had a decorative flower design.

The upper part of the walking stick stolen was 23 centimeters long. It was made of silver, and studded with faceted stones of different colours. Nugawela Adikaram’s four-foot walking stick made of low quality gold had also gone missing.

The lost rings made of gold and silver were studded with blue, yellow and pink sapphires.

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Comments - 14

senthil Monday, 16 December 2013 03:57 AM

becoming rich

ANTON Monday, 16 December 2013 04:08 AM

BEFORE LONG MUSEUM ALSO WILL BE VANISHED, OUR PEOPLE ARE GREAT MAGICIANS.

AAT Monday, 16 December 2013 12:00 AM

It's a shame that these were stolen, I guess we all have to accept the fact that this was an inside job.. History is as much valuable as present

Abdul Monday, 16 December 2013 05:53 AM

Why was it delayed so long to expose ?

Premalal Monday, 16 December 2013 05:57 AM

"Plunder unlimited."

an s !!!kith udugama Monday, 16 December 2013 06:20 AM

Who wants to see these old stuff. Put some Lambrogenes
lap tops i phones. new fridges micro waves Pizzas, Cheese burgers and stuff and the latest C D s

People will love it LOL

rani Monday, 16 December 2013 06:46 AM

What's going on Srilanka museum. From top to the bottom museum staff and specially security would be responsible for this no one else would do such robberry. Pl. investigate their homes and hiding places immediately.

mahasenavi Monday, 16 December 2013 06:46 AM

Responsible minister should resign immediately

Banana Republic Monday, 16 December 2013 07:01 AM

Folks, now that hardly anything is left in the museum LETS TURN IT INTO A CASINO.

Don Simon Monday, 16 December 2013 08:15 AM

finally, nothing will be left.

Buddhika Lokubandara Monday, 16 December 2013 09:37 AM

There is no such thing as a "Responsible Minister"

zorro Monday, 16 December 2013 10:20 AM

may be the diaspora organized the robbery to manipulate the real history!

Calistus Jayatilleke Monday, 16 December 2013 10:37 AM

"Kangetta" should be a superman of sorts to carry out such an exercise single-handedly.

investigator Monday, 16 December 2013 11:05 AM

sri lanka is a paradize of thieves.government is filled with all kind of thieves.

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Bizarre vanishing of museum artifacts

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