Treasure hunting has now become a form of self employment, claims the UNP accusing security forces of being “asleep” while the country’s historical artifacts and national heritages are robbed.

However, the government when it was coming to power promised to safeguard the culture, the national heritages and to eradicate jungle law, UNP spokesman Gayantha Karunathillake said.

Pointing out that a large number of areas across the island were subject to illegal excavations in search of hidden treasure within a short period of time, the MP affirmed these incidents were not the deeds of foreign powers. “These are happening within the country itself.”

There is still no clue as to what actually happened to the priceless gold swords which were stolen from the National Museum and the public still does not know what occurred in Vilachchiya recently, which caused a clash between villagers and STF personnel, he said addressing a press conference today (14).

Gayantha further stated that unlike in the past, presently high-tech equipment are being brought down to the country for these treasure digging activities.

“The government has a responsibility and duty to find out who is importing such equipment used to dig for treasure, who is allowing it and who is in possession of such equipment,” he said.

Our greatest disappointment is fact that government coalition parties such as the Jathika Hela Urumaya (JHU) and National Freedom Front (NFF) are remaining silent while such atrocities are being committed, the UNP spokesman stressed. (AdaDerana)