Forgotten history

Tuesday, 20 March 2012 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka’s criminals are breaking new ground by targeting antique theft, if the incidents in the last few days are anything to go by.

Last week media were agog with reports of the discovery of the last king’s walking stick that was recovered as it was being sold to a dealer for Rs. 1 million. The distinctiveness of the special metal used to cast the stick as well as the embedding of gemstones into the body of the implement were some of the distinctive points that media reports dwelt on. If nothing else, this discovery should have been an indication that theft of national treasures has become the latest trend for criminals.

Just days afterwards, the National Museum was burgled in what appears to be a consummate inside job. The Police suspect that the thief had been hiding inside the museum when it was closed for the day and he had stolen the artifacts and climbed down the first floor of the museum using a bedspread with assistance from another person.

Police say that the thief must have been known that the CCTV camera system of the museum was switched off for two days for maintenance. Only three security personnel had been on duty last Friday for the protection of the National Museum located on an eight-acre land. However, three other security personnel had stayed in the security room on the day the theft took place.

Meanwhile, the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) of the Police has placed the Customs and the Colombo International Airport at Katunayake on alert to prevent the thieves from smuggling out the stolen articles. How long this directive will last for is not known as the common ploy of thieves is to lie low until the furore has died down and bribe the artefacts out of the country.

Antiques are sold at millions of dollars to international collectors. This is a commonly known fact that many movies have harped upon. Given the value of the artefacts within the museum, it must be acknowledged that the authorities have paid it scant attention and a large scale theft is the inevitable result.

Not too long ago, ancient tapestries and paintings were ruined by a leak in the museum roof and had to be restored through the funds of a private company. Even with the massive influx of tourists, the museum has not been revamped into an interesting place. Granted, it contains valuable historical pieces, but these are not displayed in an engaging manner and other than the school children who are led through in obedient lines, few adults would chose a voluntary foray into this boring labyrinth.

This situation is made all the more wasteful given the fact that the museum and its grounds are a scenic oasis in the middle of a bustling city well capable of earning their keep if only aided with a little bit of imagination and resources. Tours, exchange exhibitions, multi-media recreations and professional staff are just a few options that can be dipped into to renew the establishment and really use the museum as a tool to teach people about Sri Lanka’s rich history.

It can only be hoped that at least the latest episode has encouraged the authorities to dispel their ancient ideas.