Minister of Buddhasasana, Religious and Cultural Affairs Hiniduma Sunil Senevi informed Parliament that a total of 42 antique paintings from the National Art Gallery have been reported missing.

He made this statement today (21) while responding to oral questions in Parliament.

The Minister noted that a stock verification board had carried out an inspection of paintings and sculptures at the National Art Gallery in 2015, which later revealed discrepancies in the records of artworks.

According to the findings, the stock register listed 281 paintings, but only 239 are currently accounted for at the National Art Gallery.

The Minister added that the issue of the missing artworks was identified following the verification process conducted by the board.