The Chief Incumbent of the Aththanayala Raja Maha Viharaya in Weeraketiya has been arrested for allegedly carrying out illegal excavations at the temple premises, a site which is of archaeological significance, and the illegal possession of artefacts.
The arrest has been made by the officers of Tangalle and Matara dangerous drugs control units.
The officers carried out a raid at the Aththanayala Raja Maha Viharaya on September 30, following a tip-off received by the DIG Vijitha Gunarathne of Matara Division on the alleged excavations at the temple premises.
The police officers have seized a metallic image of an animal and part of a relic casket inside the residence of the Thero and subsequently arrested him.
The police have also seized various equipment used for excavating and for lifting heavy goods as well as several iron rods found inside a building in the temple premises.
Meanwhile, the residents of the area have engaged in a protest yesterday (01) by burning tires in the middle of the main road near Aththanayala Vidyalaya, as the officers of the Archaeological Department failed to arrive at the temple to investigate the supposed excavations.
