Gold and silver recovered from LTTE camps to be returned to civilian owners

Saturday, 3 May 2025 00:55 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

SL Army hands over precious metal recovered from LTTE camps in 2009 to Acting IGP Priyantha Weerasuriya
Acting IGP says recovered valuables to be transferred to CBSL for safekeeping and valuation by NGJA
NGJA will verify weight and carat value of the items, seal them, and return them to Police custody
States legal steps are underway, with AG’s Department instructing matter be reported to Court for further action
Says individuals can reclaim items with proof of identity and ownership, subject to legal clearance
NGJA Chief Naveen Sooriyarachchi assures valuation process will be transparent and secure

A large stock of gold and silver recovered by the Sri Lankan Army from LTTE camps during the final stages of the civil war in 2009 was officially handed over yesterday to Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) Priyantha Weerasuriya.

The handover took place at the Army Headquarters in Battaramulla, marking a significant step in the long-awaited process of returning these valuables to their rightful civilian owners.

According to the Sri Lanka Army, the precious metals — once under LTTE custody — will now be transferred to the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL) for safekeeping and valuation. The assessment will be carried out by the National Gem and Jewellery Authority (NGJA), which will verify the carat value and overall weight of the gold and silver.

Speaking on the process, Acting IGP Weerasuriya said the Attorney General’s Department has already held discussions to determine the legal steps involved. “As instructed by the Attorney General, the matter will be reported to the court, and action will follow based on judicial decisions,” he said.

He explained that the jewellery, once verified and sealed by the NGJA, will be submitted to the police and kept under proper custody. “The CBSL will hold the items under Court order until rightful owners are identified,” Weerasooriya added.

The Acting IGP emphasised that any individual who can provide adequate proof of identity and ownership will have the opportunity to reclaim their belongings, subject to legal clearance.

NGJA Chairman Naveen Sooriyarachchi also confirmed that the valuation process will be transparent and thorough, with items sealed post-assessment and immediately handed back to the Police to ensure secure handling.