Man nabbed treasure hunting

Rafik Jalaldeen

A man in robes searching for valuable artifacts inside a temple in Waduruppu, Ambalantota was arrested on Sunday evening. The suspect had also damaged several archaeological treasures, police said. Ambalantota police had nabbed the man while digging for artifacts at the Theraputhabaya Rajamaha Viharaya in Waduruppu.

Police spokesman Senior DIG Nimal Mediwake said the suspect was digging a 15 feet ditch in the vicinity of temple. “The man also damaged several archaeological remains surrounding the temple when he was digging the ditch,” he added.

Equipment used by the suspect were also seized.