The Sri Lankan High Commission in London is preparing a full report to the Sri Lanka’s Archeological Department about a moonstone similar to those found in the ancient city of Anuradhapura that is to be auctioned in London on April 23rd.
Director General of the Archaeological Department Dr. Senarath Dissanayake said that he had already informed the Sri Lankan High Commission in London and also the External Affairs Ministry about the matter and requested to provide a comprehensive report to find out whether the said moonstone actually belongs to Sri Lanka.
The UK Daily Mail reported that the 8ft long ‘carved granite Buddhist temple step’ was found in the garden of a property in Sussex which was once owned by a tea planter who had brought it back from Sri Lanka years ago.
“We have seen media reports about this and after that we decided to find out more about it through our High Commission there, and the moonstone that is to be auctioned seemed to be belonging to the Anuradhapura era,” Dr. Dissanayake said.
He said that the Archeological Department has almost all the records about the artifacts including moonstones since 1890 in the Anuradhapura era.
“However, as mentioned in the media, none of the monotones had been misplaced since that period,” he said.
“First we have to find out this particular moonstones is a dummy or real artifact, then only can we decide what action should be taken,” he said.
“The Sri Lankan High Commission in London is working on it to take every details about the said moonstone.”
The Daily Mail said.., Rread More: Light fittings, loo seats and a 1,300-year-old BUDDHIST TEMPLE! What homeowners found when they moved into bungalow and now it’s for sale
(Athula Bandara)
Source: Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka)
