Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi revealed in Parliament today that 42 ancient paintings at the National Art Gallery have gone missing.
He said that information regarding the missing artworks emerged after a stock verification board conducted an inspection of paintings and sculptures at the National Art Gallery in 2015.
According to records, the stock book listed 281 paintings, but only 239 remain at the 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 told Parliament. (Newswire)