Treasure hunters in hot waters

by S.M. Wijayaratne, Kurunegala Cor.

A number of incidents of treasure hunting have been reported to the police stations in the Kurunegala District during past ten months. 75 persons were reported to have been arrested as suspects and cases are being heard in courts against them.

Accordingly, police Department in collaboration with the Department of Archaelogical Affairs has launched a special program to protect places of historic value in both Kurunegala and Puttalam Districts of the NWP.

All incumbents of Buddhist temples have been asked to co-operate to carry out this program successfully.

Meanwhile, four persons who were trying to unearth a treasure in Hewanpellessa in Nikaweratiya of Kurunegala District were arrested by the police officers attached to the police unit of Archaelogical Conservation, Kurunegala last week.

They were caught red-handed with instruments, tools, statues of gods, betels, red cloths, hammers, coins and other items of offerings.

IP Arambage, the OIC of Police Archaelogical unit at Kurunegala police station had arrested these suspects with the help of his police officers.

Under the instructions of IP Athula Abeyratne, the OIC of Nikaweratiya police station, investigations are being conducted further.

The suspects are to be produced before the courts shortly. The police asks for public support to round up culprits who plunder our valuable artefacts.