Museum break-in: Robbing spree in the dark of the night
CCTV system struck by lightning out since February Police say suspects will be apprehended
Serious lapses in security arrangements at the National Museum have emerged as investigations continue into last weeks’ robbery where priceless items were removed from the building.
Two watchers along with a supervisor were on duty at the time of the robbery at the 135-year-old Museum spread over four and a half acres of land bordering Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo 07.
The Closed Circuit TV (CCTV) system had been malfunctioning for more than a month after the system had apparently been struck by lightning in the second week of February. The Vocational Training Authority entrusted in maintaining the system had delayed in the repairs.
These are some of the findings mentioned in a report submitted by a three member committee headed by Additional Secretary of the Ministry of National Heritage, D.g.samarasinghe.
The report was handed over to the Minister Dr. Jagath Balasuriya on Wednesday.
Meanwhile the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) is carrying out its own probe.
But until Friday no breakthrough had been made in the investigations as the search for the stolen priceless items continues.
The loot includes 10 gold plated swords, 93 gold coins, a gem studded gold ring (one or more), two gem studded walking sticks used during the Kandyan era, a gold and silver plated sword with its casing (scabbard), a gold threaded waist belt, 18 silver rings, 50 silver coins, nine lead coins and 34 currency notes.
Minister Balasuriya told the Sunday Times that he strongly believed that persons employed in the Museum had a hand in the robbery. “Without the help of the employees this could not have succeeded,” he said adding that investigators believe that the person or persons involved in the robbery would have stayed overnight within the premises.
“We believe that the person or persons had stayed inside the building as a curtain had been removed and tied on to the hinge of a door to assist them to get out. There is no indication that they had scaled a wall or any other location to get into the building,” Dr Balasuriya said.
Last Saturday morning when watchers opened the Museum they discovered that something was amiss. Immediately a complaint was lodged at the Cinnamon Gardens police.
According to the minister earlier attempts to strengthen security at the Musuem had