File photograph: Sri Lankan Air Force soldiers
An 86-year-old French woman has lodged a complaint with the Sri Lankan police, accusing a senior Sri Lankan Air Force officer of stealing silver and gold-plated valuables dating back to the reign of King Louis XIV of France.
The woman, who has lived in Talangama, Hokandara South, for more than three decades, told police that the officer attended a reception at her residence between 27 May and 4 June last year and stayed at the property during that time.
She said a domestic worker had witnessed the valuables being taken from a cupboard at night. A subsequent inspection confirmed that numerous items were missing, according to Tamilwin.
According to the complaint, the stolen property includes 20 silver spoons, forks and knives; 14 silver teacups; 14 dinner plates; three soup spoons; 16 silver dessert plates; 10 gold-plated spoons; 10 gold-plated teacups; 10 gold-plated glasses; 24 drinking glasses; two silver jewellery boxes; a pair of silver earrings; and a red suitcase.
The French national reported that after falling ill following the gathering, she travelled abroad for medical treatment and only returned to file her complaint on 26 September.
Police confirmed that investigations into the alleged theft are underway.
The Sri Lankan Air Force has faced repeated allegations of corruption and abuse, alongside accusations of war crimes during the armed conflict.
