Apparently, there is no log of the priceless ancient paintings that went missing after being kept at the art gallery.

Police have launched a comprehensive investigation into the disappearance of 42 paintings, including creations by the country's highly renowned '43 Group' and priceless ancient artworks, which were housed at the National Art Gallery. Security forces have taken steps to record statements from 15 individuals, including seven high-ranking officials from the Department of Cultural Affairs, regarding this heinous act.

This unfortunate series of events that stirred the entire nation was officially revealed in Parliament recently by the Minister of Cultural Affairs, Dr. Hiniduma Sunil Senewi. According to preliminary investigations conducted so far, it has been revealed that these paintings went missing due to the irresponsible, non-transparent, and arbitrary actions of officials at the National Art Gallery.

The most serious problem behind these disappearances is that the National Art Gallery has not maintained proper photographs or formal data records for some of the valuable paintings that went missing. Due to this, it has become impossible to identify the missing paintings individually. However, with the aid of a special album printed in 2008, only 14 paintings could be identified, making the identification of the remaining 28 paintings a significant challenge for the authorities. Further complicating the situation, the official stock book of the Art Gallery, maintained in 1987, has also mysteriously disappeared.

Numerous irregular and suspicious transactions that have occurred at the National Art Gallery over a long period have also come to light. Notably, in 1999, 63 valuable paintings were sold for a paltry sum of 1500 rupees, labeled as 'scrap,' and no official documentation regarding such a sale could be found with the responsible officials. Furthermore, current investigations have revealed that some paintings taken from the country for foreign art exhibitions at various times were not properly returned to the Art Gallery after the exhibitions concluded.

Although a complaint regarding this large-scale cultural heist was first received by the Colombo South Divisional Criminal Investigation Bureau in 2023, it has been revealed that no successful or systematic investigation was carried out until 2025. However, under the direct orders and instructions of the current Minister of Cultural Affairs, a formal investigation has now been expedited with the appointment of an additional inquiry committee. It has been confirmed that among the collection of missing paintings are valuable creations by Mr. Lionel Wendt, one of the greatest artists produced in this country, as well as historical paintings depicting Mr. Dudley Senanayake. Police investigation teams are currently making strenuous efforts to definitively ascertain whether these national heritage items have been stolen and released into the public market, or if they have been destroyed.