Investigation Launched into War Ornaments and Treasures Found by Sri Lanka Army During Wartime Operations in the North

COLOMBO (News 1st): An investigation has been launched into the large quantities of war ornaments and treasures discovered by the Sri Lanka Army during wartime operations in the North.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali today ordered the Directorate of Military Intelligence which is currently in possession of these items, which were found in LTTE camps, illegal bank buildings, and other structures, to refer them to the National Gem and Jewellery Authority for analysis, and to submit a report on the findings.

The order to investigate and assess these items was issued by Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali, following a request made by the Deputy Solicitor General, Suharshi Herath, representing the Criminal Investigations Department.

Deputy Solicitor General Suharshi Herath, presenting facts before the court, stated that the submission was made in order to obtain a directive allowing the CID to take custody of the stock of gold and valuables currently stored in secure military intelligence facilities of the Sri Lanka Army, for the purpose of further investigation.

Accordingly, she requested that the National Gem and Jewellery Authority be instructed to assess the value, weight, and composition of the items and submit a detailed report to the court. Noting that it would not be feasible to analyze the entire collection at once, the Deputy Solicitor General stated that the examination would be carried out in stages. She further informed the court that around 300 items would be sent for analysis.

Following the analysis, she also requested that a court order be issued allowing the items to be handed over to the Central Bank for secure storage.

Taking these submissions into consideration, Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali granted the orders requested by the investigation officers.