CCTV surveillance expedited

by Sureshni Pilapitiya

After the sensational robbery of March 16 in 2012, the National Museum Colombo is undergoing renovation which includes the expansion of the Closed Circuit Video Surveillance System along with the enhancement of other facilities.

Three years on and with some of the priceless artifacts yet unrecovered, the National Museum Colombo has yet to solve the mystery that took place on March 16, 2012.

Tight security with the latest technology is to be implemented within the premises following the theft. Since then investigations were ongoing and the court case regarding the theft is still proceeding.

The Sunday Observer queried to find out the latest developments of the theft which drew much public attention, and if security was strengthened.

Thanuja Kasthuriarchchi, Director, Colombo National Museum said there was no special information regarding the theft yet, or any new developments.

The court case is still proceeding. No new report regarding the matter has been issued by the police and no statement has been made either. Regarding suspects being arrested, she said that the police only questioned the people whom they thought would be of some importance at that time. She said that she's unable to comment on the case since there were no new developments.

When asked if any security measures had been taken, she said after the incident a police station was set up within the premises and that six police stations around the area were providing security by on night patrol.

Te Director said the Museum authorities were having discussions with the CECB, which provides the museum consultation on the technological side, to install a CCTV camera system with the latest technology.

The Sunday Observer also contacted Police Media spokesman SSP Ajith Rohana, who said that there were four suspects who were arrested and they were currently on bail. He said that many items were stolen and some of them were recovered. According to the police Media spokesman the case is still pending.

When the Sunday Observer inquired about the list of the stolen artifacts of the museum, Assistant Director of the National Museum, Duminda Fernando said that as the head of the institution, it was the director who could talk to the media and refused to give any information

Secretary of the State Ministry of Cultural Affairs, H. D. S Malkanthi said that the incident was under investigation and she was unable to comment as she did not have the file including the information with her at that moment.

However, she said as soon as the case is over, that they will issue a media statement.