No arrests yet in Rs. 4.5Mn Swiss envoy’s residence theft case

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya 

The Kollupitiya Police are yet to make a breakthrough in the theft at the official residence of the Swiss Ambassador, where gold jewellery—including a diamond-studded ring—and luxury wristwatches worth approximately Rs. 4.5 million were reported stolen from a safe.   

Police said that no suspects have been arrested so far in connection with the incident.  

A senior officer said investigations are ongoing. He said that CCTV footage from outside the residence did not show any unauthorised individuals entering the premises, leading police to suspect that the theft may have been carried out by a staff member or a domestic worker.   

He added that there were no surveillance cameras inside the residence.  

The investigation was launched following a complaint lodged by the Swiss Ambassador to Sri Lanka. According to the complaint, the Ambassador left for Switzerland on April 12 and returned on April 27.   

Statements have been recorded from staff members, police said. However, preliminary findings revealed that the residence was not securely locked when the Ambassador departed.  

It was also revealed that two female domestic workers were employed at the residence at the time.