On the morning of October 1, 2026, under the "Return the Spirit to Its Original Location" campaign, the ceremony was held under the presidency of Academician Phoeurng Sackona, Minister of Culture and Fine Arts and Chair of the Board of Directors of the APSARA National Authority, with the attendance and participation of Samdech Preah Brahm Rattan Mony Pin Sem, Mr. Flavio BONETTI, UNESCO Representative to Cambodia, Ms. Katherine Diop, Head of the Public Affairs Section of the United States Embassy in Cambodia, as well as leaders of the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, APSARA, and representatives of the Siem Reap Provincial Administration.
Academician Phoeurng Sackona stated that the return of the devata head sculptures to their original location carries significant meaning for the history and cultural heritage of the Khmer people, because the Gate of Victory is the place where Cambodian kings once held important ceremonies, such as coronation ceremonies and departures to the battlefield. The 108 devatas and asuras pulling the naga adorning the Gate of Victory have endured wars and destruction across many generations, until some heads disappeared and were scattered to various locations both inside and outside the country. Through the efforts of APSARA and the Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, with backing from UNESCO, France, Japan, and the United States, most of the heads have been found and brought back, while another 3 heads are still housed in overseas museums and are still being negotiated for repatriation to Cambodia.
Mr. Flavio BONETTI, UNESCO Representative to Cambodia, expressed his satisfaction with the organization of this ceremony, considering it a testament to the respect and protection of Khmer culture, which is a world heritage. UNESCO has continued to support Cambodia through the ICC-Angkor Committee since 1993 and has cooperated with APSARA in conserving Angkor for more than 30 years. Meanwhile, Ms. Katherine Diop, Head of the Public Affairs Section of the United States Embassy in Cambodia, confirmed that the United States has joined Cambodia in protecting cultural property and repatriating antiquities, having returned approximately 900 artifacts to Cambodia over the past period. The ceremony also reflects Cambodia's efforts in preserving and restoring cultural heritage, while peace and security have created conditions for the statues to be reinstated to their original locations.
