2012 Colombo museum robbery

Museum robbery in Sri Lanka 16 March 2012, Colombo, Sri Lanka File:SL Colombo asv2020-01 img10 National Museum.jpg Colombo National Museum   Coin and sword theft National Museum of Colombo         On 16 March 2012, a thief stole artefacts worth Rs. 4.4 million (in 2012) from the National Museum of Colombo. A thief broke into the first floor and stole 10 gold plated swords, 93 gold coins, a ring, walking sticks from the Kandyan Kindgom, 18 silver rings, 50 silver coins, nine lead coins, and 34 currency notes. Police CID investigation and a Ministry of National Heritage committee report found that on the day of the robbery, there were two night watchmen and a supervisor, and that the museum CCTV was not operational. CID arrested two women and a three-wheeler driver, and then another suspect named Lansage Priyantha Mendis alias “Kangatta” in October 2012, and several artefacts were recovered. Kangatta was held in remand custody for five years until he was released on bail and disappeared thereafter.No legal action yet in 12-year-old National Museum artefact theft - Breaking News Daily Mirror https://www.dailymirror.lk/breaking-news/No-legal-action-yet-in-12-year-old-National-Museum-artefact-theft/108-322593 2025-11-01 www.dailymirror.lk enMuseum break-in: Robbing spree in the dark of the night https://www.sundaytimes.lk/120325/News/nws_47.html 2025-11-01 www.sundaytimes.lk See also 1961 Kandy museum robbery 2025 Louvre robbery 2025 Drents Museum heist Dresden Green Vault burglary Vincenzo Peruggia § Theft References Category:2012 in Sri Lanka Category:Art theft and looting Category:Museum robberies Category:Robberies in Sri Lanka