President Maithripala Sirisena presented the invaluable artifact he received from Russian President Vladimir Putin to the National Museum yesterday. 

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

President Putin, a known lover of antique weapons, graciously decided to part with one of his treasured antiques for the sake of friendship.

It was a pleasant surprise for President Sirisena as the Russian leader gave this invaluable gift when he entered the Green Chimney Room in the Kremlin at the Red Square for bilateral talks with President Putin.

The Russian leader said he was presenting this significant gift to President Sirisena symbolizing 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 has a fascinating history.

This sword had been brought to England in 1906 and later bought by Russia at the leading archeological artifact auction house, Sotheby’s in London. The Kastane (sword, hanger) was the major attribute of the noblemen of Sri Lanka. People who were not noble by origin were not eligible to bear or even keep a Kastane. Therefore, the purpose of such arm was to underline the stature of the bearer. According to Alex Freger (Tel Aviv), a high-profile Israeli expert on bladed weapons, the item subject to expertise descends from the Kandyan rulers (kings).

Freger noted that the Kandy ruling class had always played an essential political and religious role in Sri Lanka. The temple which still keeps custody over the sacred Buddhist object – Tooth of Buddha – was located at the premises of the Royal Palace, and up to this day is the destination of pilgrims from all over the world.

The “Kastane” was auctioned at the Sotheby’s Auction House on 19 December 2006 in the elite section of “Property of a Princely Family and Other Aristocratic Estates”.

Director of the Dept of National Museums, 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 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 joined in observing the artefacts at the National Museum, that now includes the ‘kastane’.

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