The controversial “phallic” sculpture has had its top lopped off in a suspected vandal attack that was discovered on Sunday morning.

Funds should be provided for the restoration of the monument

Shattered pieces of blue ceramic were found on the ground, sparking the disgust of ceramic artist Paul Vella Critien, who believes it was “definitely an act of vandalism”.

“If the damage was weather related, the entire monument would have collapsed,” he said, adding that none of his sculptures, some of which were in foreign countries, had ever been vandalised.

“Never in all my 30 years as an artist (have I experienced this)!” he exclaimed.

The sculpture, entitled Colonna Mediterranea, has been the subject of much criticism in recent years due to its shape.

The Luqa local council protested against it a number of times, including in April 2010 shortly before the Pope’s visit, when it called for the column’s removal.

Mr Vella Critien has always defended his work, saying it is no phallic representation but a modern take on an ancient Egyptian symbol. Yesterday, he emphasised the importance of giving art the merit it deserved, saying it could even promote tourism in Malta.

He added that in reality the project was still incomplete, as lighting had never been installed around the sculpture.

“If they light up flowers on roundabouts at night, why shouldn’t they light up public monuments?” he said, adding that the public, as well as tourists, would be able to better appreciate public works of art if they were properly lit up at night.

“Funds should be provided for the restoration of the monument,” he said, without specifying how much it would cost to repair the damage.

He said he had not yet been approached for any repairs to be done but hoped the government would contact him in the coming days.

Luqa mayor John Schembri condemned the act of vandalism and said he had been in contact with the police about the incident.

He reiterated his objection to the monument, saying the council had always been against it, though this had nothing to do with the artistic capabilities of the sculptor.

“The Luqa council and citizens feel that a tribute to a person linked to the town, such as watchtower maker Mikelanġ Sapiano, or to civil aviation, would have been more fitting,” he said.

Mr Schembri called the monument an “imposition” by the central government, which commissioned it without consulting the council.

The police are investigating.