There is a reasonable doubt whether the burglary at the National Museum and the stealing of a sword was carried out for the human sacrifice that is to be carried out for the President, a senior government minister said.

The President’s House in Fort has now been converted into a place where various rituals are being carried out for the President. Several Indian priests are engaged in carrying out various poojas continuously for the past few days.

One of the Indian priests had visited the National Museum last Thursday with officers from the President’s Media Unit (PSD). It is learnt that the CCTV cameras have not been operational since that afternoon. The Museum is usually closed on Fridays since it is kept open during Saturday and Sunday. The burglary had taken place when the museum was closed.

Casino King and Transport Ministry Secretary Dhammika Perera is currently building a mansion opposite the National Museum and a large number of security personnel are always in the premises and even PSD officials frequent the site.

A special security system is in place in the area around the museum. A senior police officer told us that it was surprising that the museum was broken into on the 16th night in such a backdrop. He said it was important to note that all CCTV cameras at the museum had been disconnected at the time of the burglary.

Among the artifacts that have been stolen are eight swords from the Kandyan period, four knives, several gold coins and a ring with a seal.

Cultural Affairs Minister Jagath Balasuriya’s wife, the Southern Province Governor Kumari Balasuriya is a close relative of the President.

We earlier reported that there was a plan to make a human sacrifice to invoke blessings on the President. Several opposition politicians told us that when considering all aspects there were doubts whether the robbery was carried out with state patronage.