Corruption's Sacred Cows The arrest of former Sri Lankan minister Keheliya Rambukwella for his alleged role in the theft of a centuries old moonstone from the palace of Veera Parakrama Narendrasinghe, the last Sinhala king, has highlighted the entrenched corruption within Sri Lanka's government.
This case is more than just another instance of official malfeasance; it speaks to a broader pattern of abuse of power and the willingness of even high ranking officials to exploit their positions for personal gain.
The moonstone, a heavy carved circular granite rock that was part of a symbolic stepping stone entrance to the palace, has been lost to Sri Lanka's cultural heritage.