Budhasasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs Minister Hiniduma Sunil Senevi revealed in Parliament today (21) that 42 antique paintings housed at the National Art Gallery have gone missing.
The Minister made this statement while responding to oral questions during today's parliamentary session.
According to Minister Senevi, the disappearance came to light following a comprehensive inventory audit and survey of paintings and sculptures conducted by a Board of Survey back in 2015.
The Minister further explained that while the official stock register initially recorded a total collection of 281 paintings, physical verification revealed that only 239 paintings currently remain at the National Art Gallery.
