brand logo

President’s House and Temple Trees: Many artefacts and artworks stolen, vandalised

24 Jul 2022

By Asiri Fernando A large number of priceless artefacts and historic artwork which were at the President’s House, the Presidential Secretariat, and the Prime Minister’s residence at Temple Trees have been stolen or vandalised, The Sunday Morning learns. According to Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles, the Police and the Archaeological Department are currently assessing the inventory and once the investigation is concluded, a clear assessment of the missing and damaged items will be made.   “After the report has been submitted, we will do the valuation. It is a huge loss to the country. Especially at the President’s House, old paintings have been torn and people have written on some. They have ruined everything,” Minister Alles said. However, the Aragalaya movement has maintained that there was no theft from the premises during their occupation of the facility.  Sources at the Archaeological Department told The Sunday Morning that an initial report was likely to be ready within two weeks.  Meanwhile, Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa said that the Police would await the report and conduct further investigation on the losses. Govt. planning alternative site for protesters The Government is considering offering an alternative protest site to the Aragalaya protest movement, Minister of Public Security Tiran Alles said yesterday (23). According to Alles, President Ranil Wickremesinghe has indicated his willingness to offer a different location for a temporary protest site for the movement.  Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) Leader, MP Mano Ganesan also stated on Friday that Wickremesinghe, speaking in his capacity as President, had informed party leaders of the possibility of such a move.  Ganesan stated that Wickremesinghe had indicated the possibility of the Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo 7 being used as an alternative site.   Attempts to reach the Presidential Secretariat on the matter failed.   


More News..