Charge Sheets To Be Filed Against Museum Staff

• Asleep while thieves at play

By Indika Sri Aravinda

Charge sheets are to be filed against some security staff of the National Museum this week over the recent theft. Secretary to the National Heritage Ministry Kanthi Wijeytunga said that investigations revealed that some security staff had been asleep when the robbery took place. The Ministry had earlier suspended seven employees over the theft which included members of the security division of the museum which operates under the Ministry. Wijeytunga said that investigations at the Ministry level have now concluded and they are awaiting the outcome of the police investigations. She said that the new police post and security cameras are currently fully operational at the museum.
Asked why the security of the museum was not handed over to the Rathna Lanka security firm as was previously anticipated, Wijeytunga said that it was because the cost involved was too high.
Rathna Lanka is a private security firm operating under the Ministry of Defence.
The burglars had stolen gold plated short swords, gold coins, silver coins, bejeweled gold rings, a gem-encrusted walking stick, a gold waist belt and a silver sword from the museum.
Police Headquarters have offered a cash reward of Rs. 1 million for information on the theft.