No thieves broke into the Museum in the 1980s

Iam the Retired Director, Department of National Museums. I joined the Department as the Assistant in Zoology on February 19, 1951 and served in this capacity until I was appointed the Director on October 1, 1965. I served as Director from October 1,1965 until my retirement on March 14, 1982.

The article under the title, ‘The Dutch came bearing the Kandyan Royal Throne’ by Ismeth Raheem published in the Sunday Times Plus of June 28 was very informative and educating to readers who want to learn the history of Sri Lankan artifacts that are displayed to the public in the

National Museums.

However, the Post Script to the above article is incorrect. According to this post script: “Thieves who broke into the Colombo Museum in 1980s vandalized the throne and other Regalia removing several rare precious stones including a number of large amethysts.

“It took Dr. Roland Silva, then Acting Archaeological Commissioner a great effort to restore the damaged parts of the throne which now remains as a symbol of the country’s royalty”.

I wish to state that this alleged burglary and vandalism never occurred during my tenure of duties as Director.

After assuming duties as the Director, with the approval of the Ministry of Education and Cultural Affairs, I consulted local firms dealing with burglar alarms systems to submit quotations. Hayleys Colombo offered the best at that time which involved the installation of door and window magnets and a sophisticated “telesonar” system similar to sound waves created by bats and whales to identify objects around. Any disturbance of movement inside the galleries would trigger the alarm continuously until the keys are obtained from the local Police station to switch it off in the presence of the Director and Security officers of the Museum.

This alarm system covered the ground floor of the eastern wing which included the Regalia gallery and two other galleries. Hayleys maintained the alarm system throughout effectively until the time of my retirement.

Being the Director of National Museums, my prime objective and highest priority was to provide an impeccable security service to protect every article in the inventory with utmost care as a national property.

By taking all these security measures, with the night security personnel extending their fullest co-operation I was successful in avoiding any burglary or loss of material belonging to the National Museums either in Colombo or any other National Museum in the country during my 17- year tenure as Director in the department.

Dr. Roland Silva (Architect), who was a good friend of mine was attached to the Archaeological Department only and I had no occasion to assign any task at the National Museum until my retirement.

I am happy to be alive today to reveal the truth to the public. P.H.D.H. De Silva

Retired Director, Department of National Museums, Sri Lanka.