Colombo: After anti-government protestors stormed the official residence of the Sri Lankan President and Prime Minister, over 1,000 valuable artefacts have gone missing.
The police said the missing items include vintage and antiques. The Sri Lankan Department of Archaeology does not have a detailed record of the artefacts. Initial assessment suggests that rare items of value are among the missing artefacts.
A senior official of the Department of Archaeology told Sunday Lankadeepa newspaper that it will be difficult to get specific and clear information on the missing artefacts.
A special investigation team has begun the probe.
Protesters entered these official buildings and set fire to one of them on July 9. They were seen swimming in the pool and using the gym. Former president Gotabaya Rajapaksa stepped down from the position after months of resistance following the incident. Six-time Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was recently elected as the new President.
The island nation has been struggling with an unprecedented economic crisis and a shortage of food, fuel, and other essential items. The Rajapaksa family is widely blamed for mismanaging the funds.
After taking charge, the newly elected President said while he respects the right to peacefully protest, he will not allow another government building to be occupied by the demonstrators. He announced that the Armed forces and police of the country have been authorised to take action to stop anyone from storming public buildings and obstructing the parliament.