Destruction, desecration of treasures:

608 in custody

by Jayampathy JAYASINGHE

Forty eight cases of illegal excavation of archaeological treasures and 47 cases of destruction of priceless archaeological treasures have been reported from January up to now, and 608 persons have been taken into custody in this connection, Police Media Spokesman, SSP Ajith Rohana said. He said 241 cases that come under the archaeological Preservation Act have been recorded so far.

The following are the numbers related to the destruction and desecration of archaeological treasure reported from the provinces: Southern Province 14, Eastern Province 20, Western Province 19, Northern Province 4, North Central Province 53, Sabaragamuwa Province 21, Uva Province 32, North Western Province 43 and Central Province 35.

The total value of fines imposed by Courts on suspects after conviction was Rs 25,725,500. Police have also recovered 12 Buddha statues, three statues of gods, five caskets, 19 other items and 270 ancient coins.