Sirisena presents valuable gift from Russian counterpart to National Museum

President Maithripala Sirisena on Wednesday presented a valuable artefact he received from Russian President Vladimir Putin to the National Museum.

He received a royal sword (Kastane) of the 19th Century Kandyan era from President Putin during his state visit to Russia in March this year.

President Putin, a known lover of antique weapons, decided to present the treasured antiques to Sirisena when his Sri Lankan counterpart entered the Green Chimney Room in the Kremlin at the Red Square for bilateral talks. The Russian leader said he was presenting the significant gift to President Sirisena to symbolise the close relationship between the two countries.

When President Sirisena was admiring the shining weapon and its beautifully carved case which was studded with gems, Putin explained that it was an antique Kastane belonging to a Kandyan Nilame (nobleman) and that it had a fascinating history. The Kastane was a major possession of the noblemen of Sri Lanka.

This sword had been brought to England in 1906 and later bought by Russia at Sotheby’s in London. The Kastane was auctioned there on 19 December 2006 in the elite section of ‘Property of a Princely Family and Other Aristocratic Estates’.

According to Alex Freger, a high-profile Israeli expert on bladed weapons, the item descends from Kandyan kings.

Department of National Museums Director Sanuja Kasthuriarachchi presented the document of acceptance and a special memento to the President.

“President Maithripala Sirisena chose to present this invaluable historic gift of the Kastane, received from a powerful leader in the world without keeping it as a personal treasure. He decided to present this national heritage to the place where it should be kept. That magnanimous gesture illustrates his correct vision on culture and national heritage of this country,” said the Chairman of the National Library and Documentation Services Board Dr. W.A. Abeysinghe.

The President also viewed other artefacts at the National Museum.

Ministers S.B. Nawinna, Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, Gayantha Karunathilaka and Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Deputy Ministers Palitha Thewarapperuma and Karunaratna Paranavithana, Chief Minister of the Western Province Isura Devapriya, local and foreign dignitaries including the Russian Ambassador participated in this event.