Monk arrested over excavations at archaeological site

Monk arrested over excavations at archaeological site

October 2, 2018   02:12 pm

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.

Disclaimer: All the comments will be moderated by the AD editorial. Abstain from posting comments that are obscene, defamatory or slanderous. Please avoid outside hyperlinks inside the comment and avoid typing all capitalized comments. Help us delete comments that do not follow these guidelines by flagging them(mouse over a comment and click the flag icon on the right side). Do use these forums to voice your opinions and create healthy discourse.

Most Viewed Video Stories

AG directed to file contempt charges against Deshabandu Tennakoon (English)

AG directed to file contempt charges against Deshabandu Tennakoon (English)

Ex-President Ranil to appear before Bribery Commission on Monday (English)

Sri Lanka and US agree to expedite bilateral trade agreement (English)

IMF reaches staff-level agreement with Sri Lanka on fourth review (English)

'Siri Dalada Vandanawa' to conclude on Sunday as planned (English)

'This will be the year that the Treasury will receive its highest income' - President

LIVE🔴 Ada Derana Prime Time News Bulletin 6.55 pm

🔴LIVE - Ada Derana 12.00 Midday Prime News Bulletin - 2025.04.25