The Vice Chancellor of the University of Peradeniya, Professor Terrance Madugith, has issued a statement reassuring the public that the integrity of the Senarath Paranavithana Museum’s operations and its artefacts have not been compromised. He also thanked the public for their patience during this time.
Professor Madugith acknowledged that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has initiated an investigation following a court directive. The CID is collaborating with a group of experts, and the final report is expected soon. The Vice Chancellor assured that the museum would be reopened to both students and the public once the investigation concludes and the safety of the artefacts is confirmed.
The university has reassured the public that all artefacts, including those previously reported as missing, are securely accounted for and remain under the university’s custody, despite the lack of updates from the courts following the police investigation.
Many cultural activists have expressed concerns, emphasizing that the findings of the investigation must be reported to the court, as the investigation is being conducted under a court directive. However, the Vice Chancellor has chosen to provide these reassurances to the public before the court has reviewed the outcomes of the investigation.
The museum, established by Professor Senarath Paranavithana and Dr. P.L. Prematilleke for research and study purposes, is home to priceless artefacts and holds significant cultural value.
