Sri Lanka Launches Probe into Wartime Treasures Discovered by Army in the North

An official investigation has been initiated into a significant cache of gold ornaments and other valuable items discovered by the Sri Lanka Army during military operations in the Northern Province.

These items—believed to have been recovered from former LTTE camps, illegal bank buildings, and various hidden structures—are currently held by the Directorate of Military Intelligence.

Colombo Chief Magistrate Thanuja Lakmali has ordered that the collection be handed over to the National Gem and Jewellery Authority for thorough analysis. The directive follows a request made by Deputy Solicitor General Suharshi Herath, representing the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).

Herath stated in court that the CID is seeking to take custody of the items currently held in secure military facilities for further investigation. As part of the process, the Gem and Jewellery Authority has been tasked with evaluating the composition, weight, and estimated value of the items.

Due to the volume of the collection, the analysis will be conducted in phases, with around 300 items to be assessed initially. Once the evaluation is complete, a request has been made for the valuables to be securely stored at the Central Bank.

Chief Magistrate Lakmali approved the request and granted the necessary court orders to proceed with the investigation and secure storage.