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Officialdom replaces damaged statue now in museum following restoration
View(s):The Ministry of Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs is yet to conclude its probe into the incident of an Anuradhapura-era Buddha statue being damaged at an exposition at Temple Trees. However, the restored statue is back on display at the National Museum, ministry officials and museum staff said.
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister’s office which, last week, was quick to blame the museum Director, following the conclusion of its own probe, has now gone silent. Prime Minister’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake on Friday declined to comment on the findings of a separate committee appointed by its office, saying, “I have no idea.” The probe was conducted by a three-member committee headed by an Additional Secretary.
Ministry of Internal Affairs, Wayamba Development and Cultural Affairs Secretary D. Swarnapala said the ministry’s probe, also by a three-member committee, was still ongoing. “We expect it to be concluded in the next few days,” he added. Mr. Swarnapala stated he would not comment further until he has seen the contents of the report.
The Sunday Times also learns that Director of the Department of National Museums, Sanuja Kasthuriarachchi had not been called before the committee to date, to give evidence. Ms Kasthuriarachchi confirmed that the restoration work on the statue had been completed. She also refuted reports she was to submit her resignation over the incident.
While declining to elaborate on the incident, she stated she hoped that if anything, it would make people realise that they should heed advise from relevant officials before taking decisions on historical artifacts.